Number of teenagers with mental health problems on increase; alcohol abuse also rising – Teen Counselling
Half of all teenagers who sought professional help from a Dublin counselling service last year were abusing alcohol. And the incidence of mental health problems among this age group is also on the increase.
The findings are contained in the annual report of Teen Counselling, a project of the Dublin Diocese Agency; Crosscare. Teen Counselling is the only service of its kind operating in Dublin, and it provided help to 400 families facing crisis last year.
The report was launched at 12pm on Monday 28th May in the Oak Room of the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Clr, Vincent Jackson.
50% of the young people seen by the service in 2006 were drinking, usually bingeing at weekends – an increase of 7% on the previous year.
The increase in the levels of alcohol abuse by clients of the service has been prevalent for many years and shows no sign of stopping.
The majority of young people were referred to the service by mothers seeking help for teenagers with behavioural problems. A broad range of issues facing teenagers are dealt with by the service. This can include young people in trouble with Gardai or school authorities, to those with substance abuse problems, and those who have found themselves isolated or withdrawn from friends.
Mary Forrest, Director of Teen Counselling, said it was a matter of serious concern that they have recorded a 25% increase in the number of referrals for mental health concerns. After their first meeting with Teen Counselling, staff noted mental health problems as a significant issue for over a fifth of clients. Depression and incidents of self harm were the key factors involved.
Ms Forrest pointed out that Teen Counselling did not deal with the ‘worried well’ saying this need was catered for during the 862 phone consultations and advice calls managed by the service.
Among the findings of this years report was the fact that the majority of those presenting for help (56%) came from families outside the traditional model where both parents are living in the home.
The report also outlined details of how:
- 489 cases of teenagers and their parents sought help.
- 55% of referrals came from mothers.
- The majority of referrals (67%) involved U-16 year olds.
- 50% of clients were drinking alcohol.
- 23% used drugs (17% cannabis).
- 27% smoked (largely young teenage girls).
- Over 6,000 hours of free counselling was provided.
Teen Counselling has been operating for over 30 years in the Archdiocese of Dublin.
The Teen Counselling service is unique, in that it is adolescent specific as opposed to problem specific in their approach. Getting access to the service can be done through family members, the teenager themselves, family doctors or state services. There is no requirement for a professional referral.
Teen Counselling considers working with parents as pivotal in their approach and has found that their locally based, free service with no stigma to attending has encouraged self referral and the prevention of problems escalating.
Conor Hickey the Director of Crosscare paid tribute to the 400 teenagers and their families who put their trust in the service and whom he said were “brave enough to seek out our help when they were vulnerable.”
