July 27, 2007
Headline News Highlights
Mental health
One spliff can destroy your mental health
Irish Daily Mail, Page 30, 27-Jul-2007
One spliff can destroy your mental health Single smoke raises risk of schizophrenia by 40 per cent, experts have warned. A new study also found that taking the drug regularly more than doubles the risk of serious mental illness.
Strong link between cannabis and psychosis
Irish Examiner, Page 13, 27-Jul-2007
Smoking cannabis on a regular basis can-mo re than double the chances of suffering psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, new research has shown. Any use of cannabis, which means even taking the drug just once, was associated with a 41% greater risk. The findings emerge from the most comprehensive analysis yet carried out of the evidence linking cannabis use and psychosis.
Exercise may be better than drugs for depression
Irish Examiner Feel good, Page 2, 27-Jul-2007
Exercise may be better than drugs for depression B Exercise may be better than drugs for depression Natures own solution ,getting the body moving may be more effective than drugs for some people fighting depression, according to a new study.
The myths about Schizophrenia
Galway City Tribune, Page L 17, 20-Jul-2007
The myths about Schizophrenia Health topics Schizophrenia is a-serious mental illness that causes disordered ideas, beliefs and experiences. In a sense, you lose touch with reality and do not know which thoughts and experiences are true and real, and which are not. Some people have wrong ideas about schizophrenia. For instance, it has nothing to do with a 'split personality'. Also, the vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent Schizophrenia develops in about 1 in 100 people.
'Teething problems' behind early releases
Irish Medical Times (Thu, 26 Jul 2007)
Teething problems are one reason advanced by the new Chairman of the Mental Health Commission for the number of involuntarily detained psychiatric patients released before they receive a mental health tribunal hearing into their case.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide Alliance to present recommendations
RTE (Thu, 26 Jul 2007)
The Action On Suicide Alliance says it will present a list of key recommendations to the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, in September on how to address the high rate of suicide here. The alliance says the Taoiseach requested the policy document at a recent meeting, where he again apologised for comments he made at this month's ICTU conference in Co Donegal.
HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention
Inside Government, Page 66, 23-Jul-2007
The HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention has launched the "You Are Not Alone" bereavement support publications. These resources signpost support services available and offer practical advice and guidance for those coping with the unexpected death of someone close. Tragically, suicide is a phenomenon which affects a wide circle of people, many of whom feel isolated and burdened following the unforeseen death of a loved one. For those bereaved by suicide, making sense of the death and coping with feelings of rejection, anger, guilt and disbelief can be extremely difficult issues for family and friends.
Breaking down barriers suicide
Evening Echo, Page 10, 19-Jul-2007
Research officer for the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) SUICIDE is never easy to explain, especially when it comes to dealing with the terrible loss of someone close. The problem has always been here but, in the past, we turned a blind eye, leaving the bereaved to their lonely, private, grief. More and more, we are having honest and open discussion about suicide and mental health. This open discussion can help in breaking down barriers to getting help and can encourage us to look after our mental health. A complicated inter-play of social, environmental, psychological and biological factors, influence suicide.
Coroner calls for 'greater understanding' of suicide
Mayo News, Page 6, 17-Jul-2007
According to a Mayo coroner, and more research and greater understanding are needed to help deal with the issue. Pat O'Connor, Coroner for the Mayo East region, spoke out on the subject at a recent inquest in Swinford, at which he revealed that a full 50 per cent of the inquests held by him in the area in the past five years have related to deaths by suicide. This disturbing statistic prompted Mr O'Connor to speak out last week
Mental Health Service
Mental health initiative underway next week
Clare People WEEKENDER, Page 10, 20-Jul-2007
The drive to improve schizophrenia awareness comes to the Clare region next week when Schizophrenia Ire- land's new document, 'Your Choice: Lifestyle, Medication and Recovery' will be launched at the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road in Limerick. The publication has been produced to aid both service users and their families in negotiating the best arrangement within the mental health care services to facilitate recovery.
A Call is being made for immediate action on the Mental Health Facilities in Ballinrobe. Plans are in hand for the provision of a €500,000 purpose-built Mental Health Care Centre in the South Mayo town, with the Health Service Executive West informing Deputy Michael Ring of the funding.
A specialized office for mental health is to be established within the Department of Health under detailed proposals put forward by Cabinet.
