Very few people are not touched by some level of personal experience of mental ill health. Whether it involves family, friends, work colleagues or people in the wider community, we all know, or have heard of someone who is struggling with their mental health and have been prescribed anti-depressants.

Research has shown, and it’s written on the leaflet inside the packet, that when people are first prescribed anti-depressants, suicidal thoughts can increase. Relying on someone to read the leaflet is not enough, and GP’s do not always inform the patient directly about this possible side effect. The Department of Health must make it a statutory requirement that not only should all patients be fully informed of this, but they should also have a minimum period of one months close monitoring by a mental health professional. Family and friends ( with the patients informed consent), should also be fully informed so they can be aware and watchful. 

In the past few months alone, I have known, been aware of, or read about, a number of people who have taken their own life within one month of being prescribed anti-depressants. A close relative is only here today because 2 weeks after being prescribed Sertraline, he tried to take his own life but was thankfully unsuccessful. 

Please support this petition as I genuinely believe that closer monitoring of people who are first prescribed anti depressants, could save lives.