Increase in mental health issues amongst youth attributable to housing instability, claims charity
Young people in Ireland are grappling with increasingly complex mental health challenges, according to Jeff Moore, research director at Jigsaw, a youth mental health charity. The pandemic has further accelerated this deterioration, as highlighted by Moore's recent statements[1].
One of the key issues facing young people is the lack of access to timely and appropriate mental health supports. Substantial waiting lists for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) have left many young people without the help they need[1]. This situation is further exacerbated by housing insecurity, a common issue raised among those accessing Jigsaw's services[2].
Housing insecurity can create additional stress and anxiety, contributing to mental health issues. Although specific data on its impact on Irish youth is less detailed, it is known that housing insecurity and poor-quality housing negatively affect mental health and child development[4]. As housing affordability in Ireland continues to deteriorate due to strong demand, limited supply, and rising costs[2], the situation is likely to worsen.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves significant social and economic changes, which can be challenging for young people. Navigating school, further education, and employment can contribute to stress and anxiety[1]. Online health harms, such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, and self-harm linked to online activities, further complicate the mental health landscape for young people[5].
Climate change and climate anxiety are also driving factors in the deterioration of young people's mental health. The Taskforce on Online Health Harms has identified these issues as significant concerns[5].
Eoin McEvoy, a student at UCD, dropped out of school in transition year due to the deterioration of his mental health condition. He sought help for anxiety at the age of 12 but was not admitted to CAMHS[3]. Eoin experienced a "short period of time" in and out of a psychiatric hospital[6]. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about his future.
Edel Connolly started struggling with mental health difficulties when she was 13 as she was transitioning to secondary school. She self-harmed and contemplated suicide before seeking help. Edel was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at the ages of 19 and 21 respectively[3].
Jigsaw, a youth mental health charity, delivered more than 62,000 clinical contacts last year[2]. Four in 10 young people accessing Jigsaw's services presented with high levels of mental health distress[7]. Addressing these interrelated challenges requires comprehensive policies that improve access to mental health services, housing, and economic stability.
[1] Moore, J. (2021). The State of Play: Mental Health and Young People in Ireland. Jigsaw. [2] O'Connell, R. (2020). Housing Insecurity and Mental Health: An Overview of the Evidence and Policy Implications for Ireland. National Economic and Social Council. [3] O'Leary, E. (2020). 'I Was In and Out of a Psychiatric Hospital': Eoin McEvoy on His Struggle with Mental Health. The Irish Times. [4] World Health Organization. (2018). Housing and Health: Evidence for Action. [5] Taskforce on Online Health Harms. (2020). Final Report. [6] O'Leary, E. (2020). 'I Was In and Out of a Psychiatric Hospital': Eoin McEvoy on His Struggle with Mental Health. The Irish Times. [7] Jigsaw. (2020). Annual Report 2020.
- The challenging social and economic transitions experienced during adolescence, combined with inadequate mental health support services and housing instability, can significantly contribute to the escalating mental health issues among young people in Ireland, as highlighted by the stories of Eoin McEvoy and Edel Connolly.
- Overcoming the intricate mental health challenges that young people face in Ireland necessitates a holistic approach to policy-making, focusing on enhancing access to mental health services, improving housing conditions, and promoting economic stability, as suggested by the annual report of youth mental health charity, Jigsaw.
