25 signatures reached
To: TDS, Taoiseach, EU commission, president
UPDATE MENTAL HEALTH ACT 2001
Audit and Reform the Mental Health Act 2001 – Ireland Must Meet Human Rights Standards
Dear [TD’s Name],
I am writing to urge you to support an immediate audit and full reform of the Mental Health Act 2001.
This law, written over 20 years ago, no longer reflects modern understandings of autism, ADHD, trauma, or neurodivergence. It still allows:
- Forced treatment
- Seclusion
- Restraint
- Detention based on outdated, medicalised models
These practices cause real harm and are out of step with:
- The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
- The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
- The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
Ireland is currently non-compliant with these international agreements.
Neurodivergent people continue to be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated.
I am asking you to take leadership by calling for:
- A formal audit of the Mental Health Act 2001
- The inclusion of neurodivergent voices in all mental health policy reforms
- A ban on seclusion and restraint in favour of sensory-safe, trauma-informed care
This is not just a health issue.
It is a human rights issue.
Ireland must stop punishing difference and start protecting dignity.
Yours sincerely,
Fiona
Dublin
Currently illegally detained under this archaic act for having ADHD
Fiona
Dublin
Currently illegally detained under this archaic act for having ADHD
Why is this important?
Why is it important?
Because none of us are safe under a mental health system that’s stuck in 2001.
The Mental Health Act 2001 still allows forced treatment, restraint, and seclusion—even though these practices are now widely recognised as harmful, especially to neurodivergent people (like those with autism, ADHD, or trauma-related conditions).
It treats emotional overwhelm as illness. It punishes difference as danger.
This law was written before most people had smartphones. Before we had language for sensory overload, neurodivergence, or digital expression. It’s outdated, invasive, and not trauma-informed—and it puts thousands of people at risk every year.
Why should others join?
Because you don’t have to be in crisis to care.
This campaign is about protecting our freedom, dignity, and human rights. It’s about making sure no one is silenced, secluded, or forcibly medicated for being misunderstood.
If you’ve ever:
- Had your feelings dismissed as “too much”
- Been misdiagnosed
- Been afraid to seek help because the system might punish you
Then this campaign is for you.
We need to audit the Mental Health Act 2001—and bring Ireland in line with modern science and EU human rights law.
Join us. Share. Demand better.
ACTIVATE. AGITATE. AMPLIFY!
ACTIVATE. AGITATE. AMPLIFY!