Campaign begins to 'end the stigma' of mental illness
Four out of 10 people believe getting treatment for a mental health issue is a sign of personal failure.
The finding comes as a nationwide campaign called 'high tea and talk' kicks off today to break down the barriers associated with mental health.
The 'Suicide or Survive' organisation marks World Suicide Prevention Day today which encourages anyone interested in getting involved to consider hosting their own tea morning for family or friends in your community.
The ambition is to allow people feel comfortable enough to know where to turn for help.
The study for St Patrick’s Mental Health Services found 60% of the public would discriminate against hiring someone with a history of mental illness on the grounds that they may be unreliable.
Elsewhere, more than a fifth of the 500 members of the public questioned believe those suffering are of below average intelligence, while 30% would not willingly accept someone with depression, anxiety or another illness as a close friend.
Paul Gilligan, St Patrick’s chief executive, said society needs to challenge the stigma that exists around the issue.
“Each year we continue to be disturbed by the level of stigma that still exists towards those with a mental health difficulty,” he said.
“We know that one in four of us will have to deal with such a difficulty like this at some point in our lives. That means every single family in Ireland is affected by mental illness.
“We need to challenge the stigma that exists and prioritise mental health in the same way we do our physical health.”
St Patrick’s said a lack of understanding of mental health problems is still fuelling stigma and preventing people from accessing support.
Its survey revealed that 41% of people felt that undergoing treatment for a mental health problem is a sign of personal failure.
However, more than half of those quizzed had a close friend who had been treated for emotional or mental health problems, 49% worked with someone who had, and 37% of respondents revealed close member of their family – like a parent, child, brother, sister – had got help.
“It has been said that physical health is easier to understand because we know that healing is possible,” said Mr Gilligan.
“However, there is a need to promote mental health education in Irish schools and workplaces to ensure that everyone knows that recovery is possible and those that need help don’t wait to get that help.”
