A recent survey conducted by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services highlights a concerning trend, revealing that 50% of individuals grappling with mental health difficulties in Ireland opt not to seek help, primarily citing stigma and embarrassment as barriers.
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Annual Stigma and Attitudes to Mental Health Survey, with a nationally representative sample of 800 adults, discovered that, despite 92% of respondents acknowledging that mental health challenges can impact anyone, a significant portion reported experiencing self-stigma. Paul Gilligan, the Chief Executive of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, emphasized that self-stigma occurs when negative mental health stereotypes become internalized, affecting self-esteem and reducing the likelihood of seeking necessary support for recovery.
The survey indicated that 22% of respondents perceive seeking help for mental health difficulties as a “sign of weakness.” However, interestingly, only 9% held the same view if a friend sought help for a similar issue. This statistic remains unchanged from the previous year’s survey.
Of those surveyed, 51% reported having faced a mental health difficulty, with women and those under 35 being more likely to report such experiences compared to men and individuals over 55. Notably, 56% of those who experienced mental health difficulties received treatment, an increase from 39% in 2022.
Despite progress, the survey identified a rise in the percentage (13%) of individuals choosing not to disclose their mental health difficulties to anyone, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year. In a positive shift, 87% of respondents in 2023 expressed their willingness to share their mental health challenges, up from 83% in 2018.
Parents’ concerns about their children’s mental health showed an increase to 72%, up from 57% in 2019. However, the survey also revealed that more parents are expressing worry about their children’s mental well-being.
Encouragingly, the survey found a growing openness in the workplace regarding mental health discussions, with 59% of respondents feeling comfortable informing their employer about the need for time off due to mental health struggles, up from 56% in the previous year.
Managing mental health is a priority for many Irish individuals, with hobbies (56%), an exercise routine (54%), and increased time outdoors (53%) being the most popular strategies. Additionally, 22% of respondents cited seeking mental health support through helplines or professional services. As Ireland grapples with these challenges, the survey underscores the need for continued efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage open conversations about seeking help.
