Frontline mental health resources need to be increased to ensure that people who are in distress can access help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has said.

According to the college, more investment in education that is aimed at prevention, recognition and resolution of mental health problems will also have an impact in this area, particularly when it comes to suicide.

"Suicide is preventable and help is available, but further support through education and service provision is needed," commented the college's director of communications and public education, Dr John Hillery.

The college noted that in the Government's own national mental health policy document, A Vision for Change, it is stated that the provision of 24/7 crisis intervention for those in psychiatric distress should be arranged. However, it is widely acknowledged that many people in distress who have attempted suicide previously sought help unsuccessfully.

According to Dr Helen Keeley, chair of the college's faculty of child and adolescent psychiatry, it is now well recognised that the resources allocated to mental health have so far been ‘inadequate'.

"As a society, we seem not to value supporting our mental health as much as other developed countries, with less of our budget being allocated in this direction. This is a pity, as the good news regarding suicide prevention is that there are many straightforward and simple things that have been proven to be effective in reducing suicidal behaviour in young people," she pointed out.

For example, a general mental health programme delivered in schools has been shown to reduce self-harm, she noted.

Meanwhile, according to Dr Mia McLaughlin, chair of the college's faculty of psychiatry of later life, it is essential that older people who are in crisis are also acknowledged.

"Many older people develop mental ill health after a lifetime of good health, but there is often an ageist view that it is ‘acceptable' to feel depressed given a person's age and circumstances. We all should remember that while loss events and physical aging are inevitable, the mental ill health experienced is very treatable," she said.

The college made its comments to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10).