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Teen mental health 'The first time I was admitted, albeit voluntarily, I was absolutely terrified'

Our teen suicide rate is the 4th highest in the EU but I’m not surprised, writes Natalie Marr.

ON MONDAY MORNING, you would have woken up to – amongst other news stories – the report that our teen suicide rate is the 4th highest in the EU. Are you shocked? I’m not.

Previous news reports have been indicative of the fact that there are serious shortcomings in the health service when it comes to properly minding the mental health of our youngsters.

There is of course the infuriating report that half of the beds in a custom-built facility are left empty due to staff shortages. How about the one where a suicidal teenager was turned away from hospital. Then there’s the lack of help for a teen with suicidal ideation.

Of course, you will not be surprised to hear that this isn’t a recent trend. Back in 2014, a case was reported by the Child Care Law Reporting Project about an Irish youngster being held in a facility in the UK because there was nowhere for them to be properly looked after here.

The news item that has been grating on me the most in recent days is that of the teenager who was admitted and kept in an adult psychiatric facility. For anyone who has been in a psychiatric facility, you will know some of the common feelings experienced. For those who don’t, let me enlighten you.

I was absolutely terrified 

The first time I was admitted, albeit voluntarily, I was absolutely terrified. I had no idea what to expect.

Although a product of my unwellness at the time, the anxiety and fear I felt about staying in such a place was very real to me. I was very, very anxious and worried when I found out that I would be sharing a room, I was worried that I would be attacked in my sleep.

That night, I didn’t sleep a wink but more so because my roommate was a very loud snorer rather than anything else.

I very quickly realised that everyone in there with me – those whom I had been so afraid of at the start – were just regular people, like me. People who, at that point in time, needed some additional help. Just like me.

Sharing each other’s space 

But it is an intimidating environment to be in, for anyone. Landed in with a bunch of people you don’t know, sharing each other’s space, sometimes each other’s stories.

Coupled with the paranoia that some people can experience, you’re worried that people don’t have the best intentions. You’re also so alone because, apart from in visiting hours, you won’t see a familiar face.

Now put yourself in the shoes of a youngster being in this environment, and imagine how you would feel. I can’t even begin to think how much more frightened I would have been.

I only have personal experience of private psychiatric facilities, so I can’t speak for public ones. But what I will say is that, when you are on your knees - so much so that you need to be in such a facility – it is a huge upheaval both mentally and emotionally. This can have a lasting effect, and I can only imagine the impact it could have on a youngster.

To really be of benefit to our children and youngsters when they are at some of their lowest moments, we need to ensure that we look after them in the best way possible. Can this really be considered the best way possible?

Our health service is unravelling at the seams 

I know some may argue that at least they are safe when in such a facility, which may very well be true, but it is not an appropriate environment for them to be in and, I would argue, not of much help in the long-term for their mental wellbeing.

Our health service is unravelling at the seams, and the brave and hardworking staff on the ground are doing the best that they can. But with stories such as these coming out, I can’t help but think that we’re going to continue appearing high in suicide rates among under-18s in Europe, as well as suicide rates in general.

We need to bring about change, it’s just so hard to figure out how. I try to do my part by writing and shedding light on such issues, and other personal endeavours. As well as these, through my position in work I have arranged a partnership between Viking Splash Tours and Pieta House to work on ongoing small projects, but I feel there should be more that we can do to fix this situation.

Natalie Marr is from Dublin, and works in Viking Splash Tours, masquerading as Sales and Marketing Manager. She contributes to the mental health page Hold on the pain ends on Facebook @holdonthepainends.

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    Mute Clodagh Carroll
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:15 AM

    Bye and thanks for the many laughs on here, Capt. Adebayo, you legend!!

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    Mute Lloyd Christmas
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    Oct 5th 2013, 12:54 PM

    He must have gotten himself a girlfriend and she’s off barking orders

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    Mute Gaius Gracchus
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:22 AM

    Apparently Capt Adebayo Flynn has run into a bit of bother, some people aren’t happy with his decision http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO12Ba5PwMA

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    Mute Suzanne Ní Dhúil
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:41 AM

    Hilarious!!

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    Mute Jodi Steel
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    Oct 5th 2013, 1:44 PM

    That’s brilliant!

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    Mute Dreana O'Gorman
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    Oct 5th 2013, 2:45 PM

    Love it! :)

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    Mute Patricia Mc Cann
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    Oct 5th 2013, 3:32 PM

    Ha ha. He will be missed.

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    Mute Deirdre Mac Mahon
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:17 AM

    ADEBAAAAAAAAAYOOOOOOO
    *sniff*
    well the Capt finally got me to open that twitter account.
    long life and prosper, Capt

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    Mute Nelly
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:24 AM

    The capt had the ladies wrapped around his finger

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    Mute Niall H
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:47 AM

    He’s some character. Pity there arent more like him on here. Its all cranky b******s now :)

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    Mute Abi Dennis
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    Oct 5th 2013, 12:11 PM

    I’m far more upset about Adebayo leaving than i should be…its worse than when Robbie left Take That!

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    Mute Abbi Cranky
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:32 AM

    Oh Captain, my captain?

    (Standing on chair, fist over heart, sigh)

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    Mute Donal O Neil
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    Oct 5th 2013, 2:19 PM

    Captain for president , let’s vote him in ….

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    Mute tmwtbc
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:41 AM

    Didn’t know the Captain had quit. Very funny guy and genuinely insightful.

    Good luck, Captain!

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    Mute Tigerisinthezoo
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    Oct 5th 2013, 12:21 PM

    After all the love from the women Adebayo is likely to come back in a new twitter life as Commander Adebayo Flynn!

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    Mute Michelle Mc Loughney
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    Oct 5th 2013, 12:05 PM

    Say it ain’t so captain. Say it ain’t so:( sobs.

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    Mute TheHassetthoff
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    Oct 5th 2013, 12:15 PM

    So long Captain, your posts are always top quality and good craic! Call back soon!

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    Mute Little Jim
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    Oct 5th 2013, 12:24 PM

    He’s not calling back, ever.
    He’s just too strong.
    *denial, tears, anger, acceptance, pride*

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    Mute Padraig Stapleton
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    Oct 5th 2013, 12:53 PM

    Farewell Adebayo, you legend! A great aul character…

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    Mute Marguerite Hoiby
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    Oct 5th 2013, 1:28 PM

    Why has he left?

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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Oct 5th 2013, 3:08 PM

    So long Capt and your legacy will remain.
    Lelsie, lets ratchet it up a gear.

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    Mute Dave!
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    Oct 5th 2013, 4:27 PM

    You did good captain, consider yourself promoted to commandant.

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    Mute Tommy Hornblower
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    Oct 5th 2013, 1:46 PM

    I guess it’s up to Leslie Alan Rock to shepard the flock now…

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    Mute Beep Beep
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    Oct 5th 2013, 1:54 PM

    Oh god not Lesley Alan Moron, nobody wants his input

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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Oct 5th 2013, 3:10 PM

    I disagree with you.
    I find Leslie’s posts quite good (and God knows I have had a few run in’s and don’t always agree)

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    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:29 PM

    Thank you michael. ..onwards and side wards I shall lead you

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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Oct 5th 2013, 11:37 PM

    Let’s Rock Leslie ;-). Take no prisoners.

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    Mute Dwickedchicken
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    Oct 5th 2013, 10:50 PM

    Personally I thought “capt” was an ass hole. :)

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    Mute Shane Hickey
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    Oct 11th 2013, 11:43 AM

    how do you quit an online forum? Surely it’s accessible from anywhere in the world (and on ISS)?

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