SCANDAL OF IRISH KIDS AGED 10 SELF-HARMING

»»Charity sees rise in children looking for help »»Mother of suicide victim’s desperate appeal

A MUM who runs a mental health support clinic says children as young as 10 are seeking help for anxiety and self-harming.

Seven kids, aged between 10 and 15 contacted SOSAD’S centre in Navan, Co Meath, in four months last year, many already self-harming.

Co-ordinator Marie Johnston said in past the centre may have had calls from one or two children for the entire year.

Marie, who became involved with the voluntary organisation after her own son Brian died by suicide 10 years ago, at the age of 17, believes existing resources are over-stretched and under-staffed.

Describing the situation as “shocking,’ she is now appealing to the Government for more funding and resources on the matter. Marie said: “It is shocking and distressing to see children – who should be out playing and enjoying life – actually feel so down they are thinking of dying by suicide.” Marie explained there are a multitude of reasons why many of the children are self-harming and suffering.

She added: “Unfortunately, one size doesn’t fit all. Children are stressed because of bullying or social media, bereavement or problems at home.

“We are finding many kids are selfharming and anxiety is a huge issue now among children and young people.

“They often blame themselves for fights between parents or their parents splitting up.

“Sometimes it’s hard for parents to understand how their actions can have huge effects on their children. We need to take more responsibility to make sure that children are allowed just to be children.

“I used to wish I had someone who would listen to me when I was trying to help Brian.

“I thought if I could talk to someone, then it would free up my head to think about how I could help my son more.

“Now I am that person ready to listen but I am only one of hundreds in the sector who would like to do more but can’t because of funding constraints.

“Parents often can’t afford the high costs of getting their child psychological help and the waiting lists at funded services can be lengthy.”

■ SOSAD Navan provides aid to more than 90 people who walk through their doors at Cannon Row each week and they gave 4,500 hours of counselling last year.

Number of people a week SOSAD provides support for