Study shows stigma issues on mental health

[Posted: Thu 07/10/2010 www.irishhealth.com]

A quarter of people in a new survey believe that those suffering from mental health problems are of below average intelligence.

The study by St Patrick's Hospital in Dublin also revealed that 45% of respondents stated they would not willingly accept someone with a mental health problem as a close friend.

In addiiton, 65% would discriminate against hiring someone with a history of mental illness on the grounds that they may be unreliable and 37% felt that undergoing treatment for a mental health problem was s a sign of personal failure.
 
The nationwide survey involved 240 members of the public and additional insights were gained via focus groups conducted in Leinster.

The study coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day this Sunday.  

According to Paul Gilligan, CEO of St. Patrick’s, stigma remains a major hurdle for people accessing mental health services.

"It is a sad fact that because of this stigma, many sufferers feel embarrassment and shame and are reluctant to seek appropriate supports. Our findings echo those of the national anti-stigma ‘See Change’ survey carried out recently and show the vital necessity for the kind of anti-stigma campaign that ‘See Change’ is running."

The survey showed that exposure to mental health problems is widespread, with 55% of respondents revealing that a close member of their family had been treated for mental health issues, 61% stating that close friends have been treated, and 51% confirming they have worked with someone who has been treated for emotional or mental health problems.

See also www.seechange.ie

Find out more about World Mental Health Day here

Visit our Depression Clinic here