A mother's heart-wrenching story of her daughter's battle with mental health and the devastating impact of a flawed system.
Mary, a resident of Tralee, Co. Kerry, shares her experience as a parent navigating the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Kerry. In 2019, her daughter, a victim of bullying, sought help for low mood and anxiety. What followed was a series of events that left Mary feeling betrayed and her daughter's life forever altered.
'It Destroyed Her'
The teenager was diagnosed with depression and PTSD without a proper assessment. She was prescribed a combination of medications, including an anti-psychotic drug not licensed for her condition. Mary, trusting the professionals, had no choice but to rely on their expertise. Little did she know, this decision would change her daughter's life forever.
But here's where it gets controversial: the HSE's review of her daughter's case revealed a shocking lack of care. No proper assessment, no clear rationale for the medication, and no discussion of side effects. The impact of these drugs on her daughter was inadequately monitored, and the treatment fell outside standard practice.
And this is the part most people miss: Mary and her daughter received an apology, but it wasn't enough. Mary's anger and betrayal are justified. She trusted CAMHS, and her daughter's quality of life was 'destroyed.'
"It destroyed her," Mary said. "The medication took away her happiness, her friends, and her ability to function. She became a shadow of her former self."
'It Was All Medication'
Mary's daughter slept up to 20 hours a day on these medications. There was no therapy, no play therapy, just medication. The first question every time was, 'Do you feel suicidal?' A question that can be damaging to someone already fragile.
"She lost everything," Mary continued. "Her friends, her confidence, and her ability to think for herself."
Mary feels betrayed, and rightfully so. She trusted North Kerry CAMHS, and her daughter suffered more harm than good.
'There Has to Be Accountability'
Mary doesn't accept the apology offered at the open disclosure meeting. She wants accountability. She's not alone; there are hundreds of parents like her, afraid for their children's well-being.
"Apologies are not enough. There has to be accountability. If I make a mistake, I'm held accountable. So why shouldn't they be?"
Mary's daughter is now having good and bad days. She's had counselling and hopes to go to college soon. But the damage is done, and Mary knows that compensation won't fix what's been lost.
This story highlights the importance of proper care and the potential consequences when it's lacking. It's a call for action, a reminder that mental health services must be held to the highest standards.
