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Public mental health: a psychiatry and public health perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2021

J. Lyne*
Affiliation:
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland Health Service Executive, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Wicklow, Ireland
L. Connellan
Affiliation:
Health Service Executive, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Wicklow, Ireland
R. Ceannt
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health East, Health Service Executive, Dr. Steeven’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
K. O’Connor
Affiliation:
RISE, Early Intervention in Psychosis Service & Home Based Treatment Team, South Lee Mental Health Services, Cork, Ireland
E. Shelley
Affiliation:
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland Department of Public Health East, Health Service Executive, Dr. Steeven’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
*
Address for correspondence: Dr J. Lyne, HSE, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. (Email: johnlyne@rcsi.ie)

Abstract

Mental health issues are fast becoming one of society’s greatest health challenges with evidence of higher levels of illness and strain on psychiatric services. The reasons for this trend of increasing mental health problems across the population are complex and there is an urgent need to research and deliver effective public mental health strategies. In this perspective piece we argue that psychiatrists and public health physicians have unique knowledge and perspectives on population mental health. The development of interdisciplinary initiatives and training posts would result in clinicians with expertise to drive forward public mental health strategies. Focused and sustained advocacy and collaboration are necessary for prioritisation of public mental health on policymakers’ agendas.

Type
Perspective Piece
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

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Footnotes

Emer Shelley is Retired.

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