‘Allow teenagers to decide their own mental health treatment’ – CEO of 24/7 Mental Health Text Line

Ian Power, CEO of 50808, a HSE-funded charity which provides a 24/7 anonymous text service, has called on the government to give teenagers more power to determine their own mental health care.

“Reform of the Mental Health Act to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to consent to their own mental health treatment,” he said, speaking with IMT, at the launch of 50808’s #GetPastGrand campaign, which aims to encourage young people to discuss their mental health.

“It’s currently the case for physical treatment and we don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be the same for mental health treatment.”

Power also said that the charity would like to see additional resources across the mental health sector. Notably, the mental health sector receives around 6% of the total health budget – 50808 would like this increased to around 10 or 12%, to equip healthcare professionals with enough resources to deal with mental health difficulties across the country.

“We come a long way in terms of mental heath services that are available,” he said, when asked if Irish healthcare professionals have adequate resources for dealing with the ongoing national mental health crisis.

“But there’s no denying: we need to expand primary care in Ireland. It needs to be easy for a young person to get access to primary care psychology in the first instance, and secondary and tertiary services thereafter. Things are improving…we need to continue to invest.”

He added that GPs often say that they do not have enough resources to refer young people to, resulting in something of a postcode lottery for some patients. Ireland is likely see an increase in demand for mental health services as the pandemic begins to wind down.

“From all the survey we’ve done and that we’ve seen of Irish young people, there’s definitely a cohort who say and feel that they will need access to mental health services as we come out of covid.”

The comments as the 50808 published research indicating that 68% of young people said they would feel better if they had more opportunities to talk about how they are feeling with the people in their lives.

A survey of 1,803 young people in Ireland aged 16-34 found: 44% of young people rarely or never talk about their mental health or well-being with friends and family; almost half (47%) of young people are unlikely or very unlikely to reach out for support from others when they are feeling unhappy or stressed; half of all (54%) young people use the phrase “I’m grand” to shut down enquiries about their well-being despite wanting or needing to talk about how they feel.

In addition, the campaign offered tips on listening to others who may be struggling with their mental health. This includes things as simple giving someone the space to talk can take a weight off their shoulders, paying attention and maintain eye contact, and acknowledging how difficult speaking about mental health can be.

Launching the campaign, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, TD said: “We know that opening up to others and sharing our mental health challenges and experiences is vital to enhancing our mental wellbeing. This is particularly important in the context of the Covid 19 pandemic, which has placed a considerable strain on the mental health of many of us, especially our younger population.

Here is Ian Power, CEO of 50808, answering the question:
‘Do Irish healthcare professionals have adequate resources for dealing with Ireland’s ongoing mental health crisis?’

Here is Ian Power, CEO of 50808, answering the question:
‘Do you see Ireland’s mental health crisis getting worse post-Covid?’

Here is Ian Power, CEO of 50808, answering the question:
‘Are you calling for any legislative changes or additional funding?’