Irish Find Depression Embarrassing

The majority of people in Ireland would be too embarrassed to talk to their friends about depression and would find it difficult to discuss it with their GP, according to new research.

Mind Yourself – The Lundbeck Mental Health Barometer has been assessing Irish attitudes to mental health for the past 4 years. The 2008 study shows a small decrease in the number of people who believe depression to be a stigmatising condition (from 72% in 2005 to 66% in 2008). However, 62% of people would be embarrassed to discuss depression with their peer group.

Furthermore, despite the fact that 88% think it is important that depression is openly discussed, 72% do not think that it is easy to discuss and 60% think it would be a difficult condition to talk to a doctor about.

Professor Patricia Casey, Professor of Psychiatry, UCD and Consultant Psychiatrist, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital said the survey results are a concern because people with depression are at increased risk of suicide and it is important that they feel comfortable to speak to their GP about possible treatments.

“Without treatment depression will progress and possibly worsen, which can have an extremely negative effect on a person’s quality of life. However, with medication and/or specific types of psychotherapy, depression can be effectively treated, just like any other illness. If you think you are suffering from depression or know somebody that is, seeking advice from a healthcare professional will help on the path to recovery,” she said.

In Ireland it is estimated that around 400,000 people suffer from depression at any one time. If you feel depressed and/or are having any thoughts of suicide or death, talk to a healthcare professional or with groups such as AWARE on 1890 303 302.

Posted Thursday 21st May 2008