Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl opening remarks at Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health

This year’s Forum concentrates on something that touches us all as a society.   It is estimated that at least one in four of us will experience some mental health problems in our lifetime. Mental health problems can range from a low or sad period to a more serious depression or a progressively worse condition.

At today’s forum, TDs, Senators and MEPs will listen to the views of those with experience of mental health services in Ireland. The forum will be based on engagement and informing debate, with the emphasis on Members listening to how we, as a society, can support and help those with mental health problems.

I think it is fair to say that not that long ago a meeting like today’s,  about mental health would not have taken place. As a society, mental health was something, until recently, we did not want to address. It was brushed under the carpet. It wasn’t something we were prepared to talk about or deal with. Mental health was stigmatised.

I am reminded of the comment by former US President Bill Clinton who said ‘Mental Illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all’.

That mental health was looked upon in such a manner is ironic given that around a quarter of us will suffer from a mental health problem at some stage in our lives. And even if we ourselves haven’t suffered a mental health issue, the chances are we know somebody very well who has – family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues.  

Politicians are not immune - Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of U.S. suffered from severe and debilitating and on occasion suicidal depressions. Winston Churchill complained to friends that he was hounded by the “black dog” – his term for severe and serious depression.

Given how mental issues have impacted on so many people in so many walks of life, the wonder is that it has taken us so long to face up to the challenge of mental health.
Quite rightly if somebody contracts a disease, has an accident or breaks a bone, we rally around to help – employers, colleagues, friends, family, even State organisations provide support, help, a lending hand, a helpful word. Too often, in the past that was not been the case with a mental illness.

In reality, however, mental illness should be treated no differently.

According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Facing up to mental health problems, helping people to cope,  is not only the humane thing to do in a modern society, it is a win-win for all – those suffering mental health issues themselves, their families and friends but also for our communities and society as a whole.

On a positive note, attitudes around mental health have changed and are continuing to change as more people open up and discuss mental health issues. We owe a debt of gratitude to many influential people in the areas such as sport, the arts, the media and politics who have been inspirational role models on this issue.  I commend those we will hear from over the course of this afternoon who have the graciousness and bravery to share with us their own sometimes achingly personal experiences.  Their willingness to engage with us and to share their life experiences with us here today allows us all a valuable insight into an issue which truly affects us all.

I would like to pay tribute to the work done by many politicians across the political spectrum over many years. I am reminded of people such as Dan Neville who did great work on highlighting the issue of suicide and was something of a pioneer in dealing with mental health issues in the political sphere. I would also like to pay tribute to the work of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee and Senator Joan Freeman in particular on children’s mental health services. Just a few weeks ago, the Committee on Education and Skills published a report on positive mental health in schools. And there are the individual politicians who have talked openly and bravely about mental health issues.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention the sterling work carried out by voluntary organisations at a local and national level.

But we still have a way to go in removing the stigma around mental illness, in dealing with mental health in an open manner where people can feel comfortable talking about the issues that affect them and where people receive the support they need.

As discussed, politically the issue of mental health has received greater prominence. It is now time to prioritise it as a key issue on the political agenda on a cross-party basis. Politically, all of us need to take ownership of mental health as an issue.

Now is an opportune time to examine issues around mental health. The current national mental health policy is A Vision for Change which was published in 2006. A new policy is due. So we need to take stock, review A Vision for Change, refresh the policy and map out what we need to do and where we need to go over the next ten years.
We need to examine what has worked in the old policy, what needs to be improved, what needs to be changed and what needs to be added to make meaningful change in addressing mental health issues for all of our citizens.  We need to provide the resources to make it all happen.

Speaking about her experience of depression and mental health, the comedian Ruby Wax once said: “It’s so common, it could be anyone. The trouble is nobody wants to talk about it.

It’s time to talk. But it is also time to listen.