Student Mental Health in Coláiste Muire

It’s OK not to feel OK

Dear Students of Coláiste Muire,

You have a lot on your plates: changing bodies, changing emotions, stress about study, relationships with friends, social media, examinations and …this is the major one …figuring out ‘who am I?’. We try to help you in school through SPHE, Guidance, REd and through Pastoral Care. Pastoral care means listening to students, especially outside of class time, and giving emotional support.

Sometimes this is not enough.

It is worth remembering that one in four of us (including us adults) will experience some mental health problems in our lifetime, from a low period, to more serious depression, to a small number
who will experience severe mental health problems. It is a normal part of life in our school, in Cobh, in Ireland and in every country of the world not to feel OK sometimes.

The best way to sort not feeling OK is to acknowledge that you are not feeling OK and tell someone you trust. They can talk it through with you and help you see the bigger picture.

Family Doctor (GP)

If you feel persistently sad, have trouble sleeping or experience unexplained aches and pains, you should visit your GP for some advice. Most people are treated by the GP alone, unless more support, for example, therapy services, is required, in which case you may be referred to some of the following day and hospital services.

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Adolescent is the medical term for ‘teenager’. The purpose of the service is to provide a mental health service to children and adolescents who are experiencing moderate to severe emotional, psychological or behavioural problems. Age range 0-15 years is seen for assessment, once referral is made prior to 16th birthday. Expected waiting list time and priority status decision may influence referral acceptance determination. Some adolescents who have been assessed prior to their 16th birthday may continue to be offered a service up to their 18th birthday.

City General, Infirmary Road Tel: 021 492 7825

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

CAMHS is a service that provides assessment and treatment for young people and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties. CAMHS’ provide specialist mental health treatment and care to young people up to 18 years of age through a multidisciplinary team. CAMHS is available for all young people and their families who are experiencing mental health
difficulties that affect their ability to function in day to day activities up to the age of 18 years. What are ‘Mental Health Difficulties’? These are conditions like, depression, anxiety, eating
disorders, psychosis and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to name a few. Sometimes these difficulties are noticeable by persistent feelings of sadness, worry, stress, concentration
issues or deliberate self harm.

To access a CAMHS service you need to be referred by your GP

Pieta House

Pieta House provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm. Our school fundraises for Pieta House by supporting the Darkness Into
Light walk.

Pieta House Cork Phone: 021 434 1400

The Samaritans

You don’t have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Volunteers are available 24/7 to offer emotional support to people who need to talk about their feelings.

Phone 116 123 (freephone) or text: 087 2 60 90 90

Further mental health information for young people is available on the following sites:

yourmentalhealth.ie bodywhys.ie headstrong.ie spunout.ie childline.ie ocdireland.org mentalhelp.ie
ie.reachout.com ie.reachout.com/parents/ Breaking the Silence Cobh

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