Report shows depression more common among Travellers
Travellers are more likely to suffer from depression than settled people, according to a new survey.
Research carried out by the Travellers Primary Health Care initiative, has found that 30% of Travellers suffer from the illness, compared to an average of 12% of the overall population.
The group said Travellers are unaware of the services available to them and are less likely to seek medical help.
Health co-ordinator, Therese Howley, said poor living conditions are to blame.
She said: "Some Traveller families are on the side of the road so they have no facilities. That in itself would lead to anybody being depressed and frustrated.
"But also, families are living on local authority sites. They might have problems with toilets and showers. And then there’s the general 'look' of the site which is similar to a ghetto."
