The HSE has come under fire recently for removing medical cards from those most in need across the country and today, a spotlight is back on the health service following the lack of treatment on offer to a teenager contemplating suicide.
A distressed mother of a 15-year-old girl with autism reached out to Cork's RedFM following a disturbing lack of support services for teens experiencing mental health issues.
In an emotional post shared by the regional station's Facebook page, the public's attention was drawn to the traumatic experience one family had to endure.
"This is my daughter who tried to jump of a bridge last night and is in the waiting room in A & E in this picture. She's autistic, suicidal and obviously distressed. She was left for 5 hrs, balling crying on the floor. The staff had no bed to give her, no comfort, not even as much as a glass of water. When other patients started to make a fuss they gave her a trolley. By
this time my daughter was so distressed she was hysterical. She told the consulting Doctor several times if we left she would kill herself. Their advice? Take her home. I'm now on route home with my daughter crying inconsolably in the back seat of the car. We left A & E with her balling crying and everyone staring at us with concern. God help us because no one else will. Please share this on the morning show.THIS is the way our young people are killing themselves. There is NO help [sic]."
Remember it is okay not to feel okay. If you need to speak to someone about a mental health issue, here are just a few helplines and services that are willing to help.
Aware - Phone: 1890 303 302 Website:
aware.ie
Samaritans - Phone: 116 123 Website:
samaritans.org
Pieta House - Phone (to arrange appointment): 01 601 00 00 Website:
pieta.ie
SHINE (Supporting People Affected by Mental Ill Health) - Phone: 1890 621631 Website:
shineonline.ie
TeenLine - Phone: 1800 833 634 Website:
TeenLine Ireland
Console - Phone: 1800 247 247 Website:
console.ie 
