'Hurdles remain' in mental health services
By Richard Morgan,
A leading mental health charity has told Downtown & Cool FM services in Northern Ireland have improved, but hurdles remain.
CAUSE is a unique peer-led organisation which offers services to families, partners and friends caring for a loved one who has experienced serious mental illness.
It is run by carers for carers with a 'peer-led ethos' which connects with other people who have shared similar experiences of caring.
Chief Executive Maire Granton explains how the mood is among those who work in mental health:
"We have a 25% higher level of mental illness than anywhere else in the UK, but have the lowest level of funding. I think that speaks for itself.
"There is a real feeling among professionals that services, given we're a society emerging from conflict, are under funded."
A recent report carried out by Queen's University found spending on mental health services has fallen year on year since 2008.
In comparison there's been a 136% increase in spending on other primary care, according to the study.
"There's a huge cross over between merging and looking at physical needs as a result of mental illness which can be overlooked as well', Marie continued.
"There is a huge amount of pressure on services and there's a lack of parity.
"Its' a culture of mental health not being treated in the same way when it comes to services related to physical health.
"There's a whole hidden world families who are supporting someone in recovery have to navigate and it can be quite difficult."
Maire said that there is also still a stigma around mental health.
"People feel uneasy if they are taking time off to support loved ones, or coming back from a period of illness.
"It's still one of those things colleagues may not feel comfortable discussing, so these areas are where a lot of work needs to be done."
If you have had an experience with mental illness and want to speak to us about it email news@downtown.co.uk