Teen Times: Some weeks ago I found myself throwing up in the morning, as happens to me occasionally for no apparent reason. I went to my doctor and explained, to avoid embarrassment, that there was no possibility that I was "with child".

She asked for lots of gritty details about my lifestyle and food choices and prodded my stomach. I was told that, among other changes, I was to get more sleep, the key to which, according to her, is simply more exercise.

In primary school, we learn about the food pyramid. The need for eight glasses of water a day and lots of exercise is drummed into us like tables and spellings. Physical health plays an important role in mental health, but mental illness, unlike obesity or anaemia, is not easily prevented. Intentions are usually honourable, and our elders believe that withholding information protects us, as though mental illness is a choice, and when not given the option, we will not take it. However, they are simply blocking the light at the end of the tunnel which many of us find ourselves stuck in.

We do not learn about bipolar disorder or reactive depression; how many 12-year-olds do you know who are aware that when they look at a kitchen knife and then to their arm, 300,000 other people in this country are feeling the same? As children and teenagers, we find ourselves confused and insecure as more and more is demanded of us by our parents, teachers, the media and society. We must be sporty, arty, beautiful, musical, intelligent, amazing, first place every time, or there is something wrong.

When we cannot fulfil this role we feel inadequate and hopeless. Males in particular feel that showing emotion makes them seem weak and as a result they are the group most at risk from mental illness and suicide. If these issues were not treated as taboo, we would not feel ashamed and alienated for our distress.

Many say that discussing suicide can make it appear acceptable as an end to life's misery. However, those seeking a release from the "hush-hush" attitudes have only to look at the internet; it's full of pro-suicide websites which give advice and encouragement to those contemplating it. If adults talk about suicide at all, it is usually described as a selfish thing to do. It is very easy for people to feel isolated and alone. People need to be given understanding and help by those around them, so they do not fall into the hands of other, lethal, influences.

How is our Government dealing with mental health? Resources are concentrated in urban areas and this contributes to a much higher rate of mental illness in rural Ireland. How is the lack of long-term solutions compensated for? Some €34 million has been spent on anti-depressant drugs compared with 3 million on suicide awareness and prevention programmes. These drugs are overprescribed and real help is rarely offered. Withdrawal as well as side-effects can deeply worsen a bad situation - as many people view it, drugs stop the pain for a little while, death stops it forever.

The answer to this is in all of our hands. If we shake up our attitudes and treat mental health with the compassion and understanding it deserves, the Government may start to think it is a cause worth fighting for. If we talk about this and show our concern, mental health can become the most vital issue in the next election, and in turn families and lives can be saved.

* Clare Hartwieg (16) is pupil at Gorey Community School, Co Wexford.

* Submissions from teenagers of 500-word opinion pieces for this column are welcome to teentimes@irish-times.ie. Please include your phone number.