HSE prescriptions for antidepressant and anxiety medications rose in Ireland by almost two thirds over a 10-year period, according to new statistics. This article by Stephen Mcdermott, appeared on the Journal.ie, 1/08/18. Figures seen by TheJournal.ie show that between 2009 and 2017, prescription for eight antidepressants available from the HSE increased by 64%. The medications include the Select Serotonin […]

Four-year-olds are self-harming, doctors are quitting, Tusla is a disaster area, but here’s one modest suggestion to break the cycle, says Brendan O’Connor. This article appeared on the Independent.ie, 24/06/18. It’s a sunny day and I don’t want to depress you. But I want to draw your attention to some strands of a quiet crisis, […]

We spoke to CPsychI REFOCUS member (Recovery Experience Forum of Carers and Users of Services) Laura Louise Condell who has been a member of the committee since 2016. She is also the the coordinator of the Dublin Lesbian Line which focuses on supporting women of the LGBT+ community. We sat down with her to talk mental illness, mental […]

The last week has proven to be a busy ‘media’ time for psychiatrists, psychiatry and the College in print, broadcast and social media. Many items were covered this week: Youth Mental Health, CAMHS, General Mental Health Services, Recruitment, Retention, Resourcing, Work Environments, and Attitudes and Processes in the HSE. The College contributed to a number of media […]

Dr Sean Naughton considers the troubled history of the Psychiatric profession and the LGBT community. (December 2017) Through advocacy, civil action, and the support of the wider population, the LGBT community has made great strides in recent decades to resolve the historical prejudices and marginalisation to which they have been subjected. Much work remains to be […]

REFOCUS discussed Trainee Induction, Green Ribbon month and stigma of mental illness on families recently at their second meeting of 2018. The College REFOCUS (Recovery Experience Forum of Carers and Users of Services) committee held a meeting on June 8th 2018. Through regular meetings and sub group meetings REFOCUS debates issues, writes papers, presents at […]

Lack of progress in mental health services sees President of the College of Psychiatrists resign from HSE. This article, written by Valerie Ryan, appeared online the Irish Medical Times 18.06.18. The President of the College of Psychiatrists, Dr John Hillery, resigned from the Health Service Executive (HSE) because of what he sees as so little progress […]

Are we tuned in?…to Men’s mental Distress? We asked Dr Miriam Kennedy Consultant Psychiatrist and Director of Communication and Public Education to reflect on how society could take that ‘one small step’ and encourage men to talk openly and honestly about their mental health, following International Men’s Health Week 2018. One of my earliest memories […]

The College ran the ‘Living Library’ this May for Green Ribbon Month with See Change. By starting the conversation in the outdoors the College aimed to challenge the stigma of speaking about mental health difficulties and to encourage an important mantra ‘Don’t Judge A Book by Its Cover’. When it comes to mental health everyone has […]

A letter to Ireland from someone with schizophrenia – A reflection on engagement with, judgment and perception of those who experience health mental difficulties. This is particularly poignant with it being Green Ribbon month, the month that aims to reduce stigma of mental illness.                         […]