‘Anyone’s brother’: Family of tragic Caoilte O Broin plan public vigil

On Saturday January 2, the family of Caoilte O Broin identified his body after it was pulled from the River Liffey.

Caoilte had attempted to take his life on several occasions prior to his death, and though he was receiving treatment, his mental health had deteriorated to such a point that his family were left in fear for their own lives.

He experienced "extreme psychosis" and would scream for hours, threatening to kill both himself and his family.

"Caoilte died needlessly due to systemic failures that let families all across this country down when someone is suffering from mental health issues," the O Broin family said in a statement on Facebook.

"Caoilte died from his mental illness. This could have been prevented."

Speaking to JOE.ie before his death, Caoilte's sister Catríona said that a 'dual diagnosis' was one of the biggest barriers to him receiving the treatment he needed.

A dual diagnosis is a term used when someone suffers from a substance abuse problem – drug or alcohol addiction – alongside their anxiety, depression or another mental health issue.

"We have tried to have him committed, again and again, but we keep being told that it comes down to the drinking, and that his mental health problems are considered separately," Catríona explained.

"My brother drinks because he is in pain. He is sick. He has no hope. He sees no other way."

On Thursday February 11, the O Broin family will hold a silent candlight vigil outside Dublin's Government Buildings to petition for better treatment of those using mental health services in Ireland.

"We are seeking legislative changes so that no other family will have to endure the suffering that Caoilte and his family have had to."

All details on Facebook here for anyone who wishes to attend or show their support.

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