Over 500 people die by suicide in Ireland each year, up four-fold since the 1970’s. 50% of these deaths are under the age of 30 and suicide is now the number one killer of young men in Ireland.

Twenty years ago an Irish family physician might, every three years, have seen one patient who would have died by suicide. Now, it is increasingly common for doctors to have two to three patients a year die by suicide from within their clinical practice. Suicide attempt rates have also escalated dramatically in Ireland. In 2002 8,500 people attended hospital emergency departments in the Republic with overdoses and other self-inflicted injuries suffered when attempting suicide. Of these some were children as young as five. A further 200 children aged 10 to 14 were also treated for attempted suicide.

The Fund’s response to this crisis is being led by New York based donor and AIF Board Director Jerry Callaghan. Jerry has committed over $100,000 to the issue of mental health in Ireland. But beyond this he has become actively engaged in developing and implementing the Funds’ policy. Jerry has traveled to Ireland and met with key groups and individuals working in the area of depression and suicide prevention. He is a true venture philanthropist determined to assist one of the most acute needs in Ireland today.

He explained his motivation and objectives in conversation with the Funds’ Vice-President, Kieran McLoughlin who has recently moved to New York.

The prevalence of depression and the incidence of suicide have deepened greatly in Ireland over the last ten years. Why do you think this has occurred?
Ireland has changed beyond recognition in the last decade. Much of that change has been positive but it has also resulted
in a weakening of traditional sources of comfort and support: family, neighbourhoods and the Church. When people, who are susceptible to mental illness, are faced with major and rapid change, without support, the associated stress can lead to mental health issues.

Tell me about the reasons behind your interest in the area of mental health.
Several members of my family suffer from depression, bi-polar disorder and anxiety. I was determined to help and as a result of the research we carried out and the solutions this has revealed, my family members live a productive life.
I am a former board member and Chairman of NARSAD (National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression), which raises about $20 million a year for work in the whole area. I have met some wonderful people overcoming their challenges—perhaps I can export some of this experience to Ireland.

How would you assess the Funds’ response?
The Ireland Funds are ahead of the curve in recognizing the extent and depth of the problem in Ireland. They are playing a leadership role in bringing key activists together. Great work is being done but it is in its infancy. Real effort and reserves are needed.

What are the key issues to be tackled if the level of suffering is to be reduced?
There is a need to address three areas if we are to be successful. The first is research. It is essential that there are adequate resources devoted to determining the underlying causes of mental health problems, be they neurological and/or environmental.

Secondly, we must support agencies providing direct relief to people in crisis situation. In Ireland, wonderful work is being done by, for instance, The Samaritans, Aware and the 3Ts Initiative headed up by Noel Smyth and Kevin Malone.

Thirdly, and critically, we must educate the public. We must de-stigmatise mental illness so that its sufferers are not shunned nor are they afraid of seeking support.

You mention your involvement with NARSAD. What lessons can you learn from your experiences in the U.S.?
Government has got to take these issues seriously. The Federal Government established the Mental Institute of Health and it has provided a tremendous platform and source of support for all of us involved in the fight against depression. A similar agency is required in Ireland.

But, again support is required for more research and for a public awareness campaign. Public figures speaking openly about their own problems can have a dramatic effect, such as the actor Rod Steiger.

Jerry, you have been involved with the development of The Funds approach at every level. You have traveled to Ireland, you have met concerned groups and individuals and you helped to draft our paper, “Healing the Hurt”. In other words, above and beyond making your very generous gift, you have given us your own time and attention. Classically you would be described as a “ venture philanthropist”. Explain your motivation?
I am not interested in just dropping the money and running. I want to help to ensure that The Funds gets the maximum impact. I feel I can offer insights into progress and work done elsewhere.

I am driven also by a deep passion and get so much from working with real problem solvers and dynamos like Noel and Kevin. And, if I may say so, The Ireland Funds are showing great determination and leadership and I believe that by backing the Funds I can help persuade people of the simple fact that mental health problems are like any other illness—with the right care and support they are treatable, and highly treatable at that.

The Ireland Funds recently produced a paper on mental health in Ireland entitled “Healing the Hurt”.

Healing The Hurt >