Mental Health
Up to 25% of the Irish population are affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives. Mental illness can be defined as the experiencing of severe and distressing psychological symptoms, to the extent that normal functioning is seriously impaired. Examples of such symptoms include anxiety, depressed mood, delusions and hallucinations.
When a person develops a mental health problem, they may isolate themselves from close relations, making communications more difficult and family relationships strained. Mental illness may develop slowly over a period of months. Family members are usually the first to notice significant changes in a person's behaviour. Early intervention is important, as delayed referral to support services causes prolonged distress for the affected person and their family. Help may take the form of counselling or psychotherapy, drug treatment and/or lifestyle change. Although most patients can be treated by their GPs, some may need to be referred to a psychiatrist, or in more serious cases, admitted to hospital.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance when treating persons with any form of mental illness. Mental health professionals must respect this right and may only disclose information to families and friends, with the consent of the patient.
Links and Resources
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Stress
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Depression
At any one time, over 7% of the population suffer from depression. It is described as a state of sadness or despair, which can cause a persons life and social functioning to be disrupted. Depression it not... more » -
Eating Disorders
Approximately 2-3% of Irish teenagers and women in the twenties suffer from eating disorders. About a total of 5% of all cases are male. The two most common and most deadly types of eating... more » -
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease affects about 25,000 people in Ireland every year. Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease may vary from person to person, increasing memory loss over time can occur... more »
