October 30, 2009
Mental Health
Number of students seeking help for mental health problems doubles
Irish Examiner (Thu, 29 Oct 2009)
The number of students seeking help for mental health difficulties at an occupational therapy service for students more than doubled last year.
Adults must communicate with young, mental health body told
Irish Times (Thu, 28 Oct 2009)
There is an urgent need for adults to communicate with young people, particularly boys, the Positive Mental Health organisation (PMH) has been told at its annual fundraising event in Galway.
Childhood 'top dogs' enjoy better health as adults
Irish Medical Times (Wed, 28 Oct 2009)
Children who are popular and wield power among their school classmates enjoy better health as adults, new research has suggested.
Teens under pressure
Irish Times (Tue, 27 Oct 2009)
The HSE is reaching out to teenagers to urge them to reach out and “let someone know” if life is getting them down. Earlier this month, it published another report focusing on their mental health, and also announced a website – www.letsomeoneknow.ie – aimed at encouraging teenagers to confide in someone they trust when worried, rather than “bottle it all up”.
Limerick Priest tackles Stigma
Catholic Voice (Fri, 23 Oct 2009)
A priest who brokered peace between Limerick's feuding gangs has led a pilgrimage to Lourdes to highlight the plight of those suffering from depression. Father Joe Young says he will devote the rest of his ministry to tackling prejudice against sufferers.
Childline's Teentxt launched in Monaghan
Northern Standard (Thu, 22 Oct 2009)
Childline and the (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) ISPCC are currently rolling out their new innovative scheme to help troubled children and teens make themselves heard without having to utter a single word.
Mental Illness
Genetic marker for intelligence identified by Trinity scientists
Irish Times (Tue, 27 Oct 2009)
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified one of the first genetic indicators of intelligence. People who carry the genetic variant within a gene called NOS1 recorded lower IQ scores than those who do not carry the variant. The same test was also carried out among patients with schizophrenia and yielded the same result.
Eating Disorders
Girls whose mother is on a diet are as likely' to have an eating disorder
Irish Examiner (Thu, 29 Oct 2009)
GIRLS whose mothers are on a diet are almost twice as likely to have an eating disorder, a poll of more than 500 teenagers found today. Many' girls say their mother has the biggest influence on their own self-image and they feel damaged by the effects of their mum's dieting and views on food.
Mental Health Service
Psychiatric unit still closed seven months after official opening
Irish Examiner (Wed, 28 Oct 2009)
A unit designed to cater for the needs of children and teens with serious psychiatric problems remains closed to clients — almost seven months after the Health Service Executive (HSE) announced its official opening.
Restraints at institution are in breach of regulations
Clare Champion (Fri, 23 Oct 2009)
The use of mechanical restraints not prescribed by a registered medical practitioner in an Ennis long-stay mental health facility, which were uncovered during an announced inspection by the Mental Health Commission (MHC), have been criticised by a regional lobby group.
Minister to open €2.4m Fermoy sheltered housing facility
The Avondhu (Thu, 22 Oct 2009)
Minister John Moloney attended the official opening of Carrigabrick Lodge, Fermoy, officially welcoming the 14 residents to the facility. The lodge is meant to provide a group home for people with mental health issues, who have made the transition from institutionalised care to living in the larger community and it is a partnership between Quid Housing Association and the HSE.
Suicide Prevention
43% rise in suicide rate for first three months of this year
Irish Times (Fri, 30 Oct 2009)
Suicide prevention experts say job losses and the recession may be linked to a 43 per cent increase in the number of suicides recorded during the first three months of this year.
Switzerland considers assisted suicide ban
Irish Times (Thu, 29 Oct 2009)
The Swiss government is considering restricting or even banning organised assisted suicide in an attempt to reduce so-called “death tourism”.
Cliffs staff 'help to prevent suicides
Irish Independent (Wed, 28 Oct 2009)
Rangers patrolling one of Ireland's most popular tourist spots have prevented a number of suicides since they began work two years ago, it was claimed yesterday.
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