FAMILIES should have a key role to play in the treatment of a patient with mental illness. That is one of the strong messages that Deputy Dan Neville, president of the Irish Association of Suicidology delivered to the North Clare Mental Health Forum in Ennistymon. Calling for a complete re-evaluation of how the psychiatric services are delivered in relation to patients with mental illness, the deputy said that all too often,
sections of the psychiatric profession fail to recognise the significant role that families can play in patients’ recovery.
“In my experience too many professionals are refusing to include family members in their recovery plan for their patients,” he said.
“There is a reluctance to discuss the aftercare needs of a patient with family members. This is unique in the health service as in general medicine professionals see family involvement as part of the recovery programme after discharge from hospital”.
As the statistics for suicide and mental breakdown are escalating in the current climate of economic downturn, unemployment and hardship, Mr Neville’s observations are particularly relevant.
Pointing out that in his role as President of the Irish Association of Suicidology he frequently meets families who are concerned because they are not fully informed about the treatment plan for their relative, he said that patient confidentiality is quoted as the reason.
“But family members are key to identifying someone in danger of losing their life.
“Too often I receive complaints that professionals do not listen to the family, sometimes with dire consequences.
“At this time of recession and economic stress, mental illness is on the rise and we need to do everything we can as a society to provide the best possible service to those affected”.
Calling on the psychiatric profession not to shirk its responsibility on the issue, Deputy Neville said that a culture of inclusiveness must be promoted through the country’s mental health agenda.
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