New mental health survey shows worrying results
Almost two-thirds of people would hide mental problems, an alarming survey revealed today.
Proving stigma is a persistent issue, research showed most people would cover up any signs of illness despite claiming sufferers should be treated the same as anyone else.
Worryingly, the study showed people think mental problems will only affect one in 10 - the real figure is one in four.
Geoff Day, head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NSOP) in the Health Service Executive, said it was a clear warning significant levels of stigma still exist.
"There is a huge need to educate the people of Ireland about mental health. The reality is that many of us can, and do, experience mental health problems," he said.
"These problems can range from passing feelings of hopelessness, often in response to a negative life event, to the experience of enduring mental illness. Either way, positive change can only come from addressing mental health in an honest and open way as an everyday issue."
The general feeling among Irish people is that someone with a mental problem is difficult to talk to and should not have an important role in society.
Preliminary findings from the study commissioned by the NSOP showed 85% of people agree anyone can experience a mental health problem but 62% would not want others to know.
It showed 81% of people agreed sufferers should have the same rights as everyone else, but more than half said they should not be allowed to do important jobs, such as being a doctor or nurse.
A full report on the research, commissioned by the NOSP is due to be published this autumn.
Depression is believed to account for approximately 90% of mental health problems in Ireland and the survey identified the illness as one of the top three mental problems we need to tackle.
Suicide and alcoholism, as mental health-related problems, were also identified as top priorities with young women more aware of suicide than young men.
Two-thirds of those asked, however, believed only one in 10, or less, would suffer mental problems at some point in their lives - in fact it is more like one in four.
"The most important message we have for people out there is that mental health is an issue for everyone," said Mr Day. "If you think that you, or someone close to you might have a problem, try to talk about it with someone you trust, maybe a partner, a family member or your GP."
The survey revealed 74% of people would most likely turn to their GP if they thought they might have a mental health problem.
One in four said they would talk to a partner, close friend or family member. Just 17% said they would turn to a counsellor or therapist, 11% to a psychiatrist and 10% to a psychologist.
The survey also assessed general quality of life issues and while 86% described their lives as good, they were less optimistic about the future.
Some 62% said they don't really know who they can count on, and almost half said they were better off in the old days.
The research also identified substantial levels of social isolation among people in Ireland with one third of people not attending any social or leisure events, one in five only see friends or relatives once a month or less often and one in seven have difficulty getting practical help from a neighbour if needed.
The Mental Health Awareness and Attitudes Survey was carried out by Millward Brown IMS.
