LISTEN - Study launched to analyse 'The Troubles' impact on mental health

by Q Radio News

Ulster University is launching a new study today, which looks at 'The Troubles' and it's impact on mental health in Northern Ireland. 

Research has shown parents who have suffered with PTSD are more at risk of suffering from substance abuse or not interacting with their children.

The findings, which were revealed at a seminar in conjunction with NSPCC, which focuses on the links between adversities, the Troubles, trauma and mental illness in students and in the general population. 

The key findings include: 

• Overall 32% of the population in Northern Ireland reported adverse childhood experiences, with childhood economic adversity high in comparison with other countries.
   
• Individuals who experienced conflict and adverse childhood experiences and who also had psychological problems were 15 times more likely to engage in suicidal behaviour than those who experienced low levels of trauma.
   
• Students who experienced elevated levels of childhood adversities were approximately eight times more likely to engage in suicidal behaviour and five and a half times more likely to engage in self-harm.
   
• Those who experienced conflict were more likely to have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the risk was higher for those who also had experienced maltreatment.
   
• Social networks can act as a buffer, helping to reduce against the negative of stress.

(Professor Siobhan O'Neill)

Professor Siobhan O'Neill is a professor of mental health sciences at the University. 

She says there is a danger that the impact the Troubles is having on people's mental health here, will have a domino effect on the next generation.

Neil Anderson Head of NSPCC in Northern Ireland said: “This seminar blends the research on the complex interactions between childhood experiences, the trauma of the Troubles and presents ways in which practitioners can start to address the effects”.

The policy and practice briefing discussed today makes a number of recommendations including the need to promote resilience building early in life, and the need for early identification of childhood adversities to minimise the detrimental impact of such experiences.

It is also recommended that when patients present with psychological problems practitioners should enquire about a range of adverse childhood experiences, with particular attention given to the impact of parental mental illness.