The Dublin-based EU think tank Eurofound, have found that suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Europe
He has spent years reaching out for help and access to services for his two sons, who have both been diagnosed with autism. He says that adequate child and adolescent mental health services in Wexford are effectively non-existent. Last year, over 1,000 people presented themselves to Wexford General Hospital for urgent mental health intervention.
“It was always a battle to get our voices heard and get the help that children need and children deserve. The earlier you get them, the more manageable it is. In Wexford’s case, there is nothing there to help your children, nothing.
“It has been a battle from day one, from when he [Cllr Shannon’s son] was first diagnosed at six, until now… The wait is a killer. People can be sick a long time, before they are seen and that is if you are lucky enough to be seen.”
While there has been some progress, not least the opening of Arden House, staffing levels and capacity remain inadequate. Recently, the Dublin-based EU think tank Eurofound reported that suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Europe.
“It is frightening and scary,” said Cllr Shannon. “After 5.30 in the evening, there is no one there, they send you to Waterford. A lot of people don’t take that journey, they go home suffering. It’s a hallow journey.
Cllr Ray Shannon with mental health advocate Joan Freeman
“It happened to me. I had to bring my own son to Waterford, in a distressed state. It was very difficult trying to stop him jumping out of the car. And when we got to Waterford City, he wanted to jump over the bridge. I had to stop him. But that is the reality.
“If we had a 24-hour unit, we wouldn’t have to take that journey. There is no emergency mental health bed in Wexford, not one.
“I don’t think the professionals are listening to people. Once you are over 18, they ask you in Waterford, ‘are you well enough to be discharged’. People are coming out just as bad as they went in, but they want to get out of here.”
The message Cllr Shannon wants to get out to people on International Suicide Prevention Day is this one.
“There is always somebody there to listen to you. Never be a burden.
“I wouldn’t have known much about mental health services, until my own situation brought the need about. It is heartbreaking for the individuals involved, because they are not well.
“If you break your arm or leg, you are brought to hospital and get the treatment you need. Mental health doesn’t work like that. It is a struggle to get seen, it is a struggle to get any sort of treatment. Trying to even get into the hospital, can be a challenge,” but there is always hope, he says.
Helplines: If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, click here for more information, call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie; or call Pieta on Freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444