Mum pleads for better mental health services on daughter's anniversary

Louise Walsh

A desperate mum who warned medics that one of her children was going to die as she pleaded for help for them, tragically discovered her daughter had taken her own life less than two hours later.

Two years on and Lena Monaghan's kind-hearted son Kieran (13), who has autism, cut his hair in his sister Michelle's memory to help local charities.

To add to the heartache, the strong mum who had stopped Michelle (22) from taking her life four times previous to her death also had to plead for psychiatric help for her oldest son.

Deep thinking Kieran's way of dealing with his grief of losing his sister was to let his hair grow and it was only in lockdown that he selflessly decided he would get it cut to help others with depression and other mental health issues.

"Kieran was extremely close to Michelle and when she died, he started growing his hair which was his way of dealing with his grief," said Lena from Oldcastle, Co. Meath

"During lockdown, he decided to cut his hair for Michelle to help other people with mental health issues and he chose SOSAD (Save Our Sons And Daughters) suicide prevention and awareness charity.

"It was the first decision he has ever made by himself so it really was a huge deal for him.

"When he got his hair cut earlier this week, he saw his reflection and said that he looked like Michelle. He was so proud and we are all so very proud of him.

"We will give SOSAD the money we have raised but we are still looking for any charity who may benefit from seven inches of his hair."

On Michelle's second anniversary (August 14th) , Lena is appealing for improved services for those with mental health issues.

"I never had any support from anyone. I had no choice but to do everything alone," said the devastated mum..

"Two years ago, I was sitting in the psychiatric wing of Our Lady's Hospital in Navan telling them that one of my kids was going to die that day if they didn't get immediate help.

"Just two hours later, I got a phone call that Michelle had taken her own life.

"Michelle had suffered from depression for many years and four times I managed to save her after she tried to take her life. But this time, I couldn't."

Lena managed to finally get her oldest son the help he deserved after challenging times last year and he has since been officially diagnosed with mental health issues.

Her other daughter Leanne suffers from anxiety.

"It's almost impossible to get any help. Kieran needs a psychologist to help him cope with Michelle's death but I can't get one from the public system.

"So, despite being a carer for my kids, I have to pay privately for a psychologist to help him.

"On Michelle's second anniversary, I have three kids left who also need help for various mental health and health issues - but no-one will help me."