Recession Puts Strain On Mental Health

Mental health care is again on focus as the South Belfast MP and practising GP, Dr Alasdair McDonnell has urged Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to address the strain placed on local mental health by the current economic crisis.

His comments came shortly after the NI Health Minister launched for consultation the draft Long Term Conditions Policy Framework for Adults in NI. 


Dr McDonnell (pictured) said: "Whilst we are all aware of the huge pressures the current economic crisis is putting on budgets, it is essential that the Executive does not make the mistake of overlooking the profound potential pressures placed on vulnerable peoples’ emotional and mental states.

"Having worked as a GP for over 30 years, I am conscious of the devastating impact mental ill health can have on the lives of so many. Vulnerable people in particular need to be protected from the impacts of the distress of having to cope on a daily basis with mounting debt problems."

The urgency of the issue was again highlighted with the recent release of a report outlining the experiences of women in economically vulnerable areas throughout Belfast. Interviewees reported depression, extreme psychological distress and suicidal thoughts due to fears over debt, unemployment and other financial pressures.

Dr McDonnell commented further: "I understand that departmental budget cuts mean the Assembly may be restricted in the range of possibilities it could consider approaching this problem.

"However, Northern Ireland's mental health needs are 25% higher than the rest of the UK and yet we spend 25% less to address them.

"Furthermore, as unemployed people are 2-3 times more likely to die by suicide than those in employment, this is an issue we simply cannot afford to ignore as unemployment levels reach deeply worrying new heights.

"I have therefore written to the Health Minister calling for greater action in helping to protect some of the most vulnerable at this time, particularly in light of the budget review."

Prior to Dr McDonnell's comments, the Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey launched the draft Long Term Conditions Policy Framework for Adults in Northern Ireland.

McGimpsey said: "This document aims to help people with long term health conditions and their carers get the best out of the health and social care service.

"By improving education in the management of long term health conditions, we can give people the skills, knowledge and support they need to spot early warning signs, keep healthy and fit and know which services are on offer to them specifically.

"Six key areas are highlighted within the policy framework: working in partnership; supporting self-management; information to users and, carers; managing medicines; carers and improving care.

"Working together, these areas will help people manage their condition better at home and improve the use of existing resources within the health and social care system," the Minister said.

The overall aim of the policy framework is to help Health and Social Care Commissioners, Trusts, the Public Health Agency, the voluntary and community sectors and independent care providers plan and develop more effective services to support people with long term conditions and their carers. 



The consultation document was informed by members of the Long Term Conditions Working Group, established to provide strategic direction and oversight into the development of this policy framework. 



Commenting on the Draft Policy Framework, Chair of the Long Term Conditions Alliance Northern Ireland, Heather Monteverde said: "The Long Term Conditions Alliance welcomes the publication of this framework. We believe that if this framework is implemented there is the real potential of improving the lives of thousands of people living with a long term condition in Northern Ireland."

The consultation period will run until 20 June 2011 and the draft document and questionnaire can be accessed via the Department’s website at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

(JG/GK)