Study finds worrying attitudes to depression

SEVEN out of 10 people would find it difficult to discuss depression with their doctor, a survey on mental health perceptions has revealed.

Additionally, 60% feel there is still a stigma attached to mental illness, with two out of five people not wanting to know if a loved one was experiencing depression.

The Lundbeck mental health barometer revealed how mental health was viewed by Irish people, with almost a quarter believing depression was not an illness but a state of mind.

Embarrassment about depression is rising, particularly amongst young people, the study found. Few seem to be well informed about how depression is treated and many were alarmed at the possibility of a friend or family member making a disclosure about depression to them, and this is particularly the case amongst younger adults.

The study also found there is a widespread view that depression is very common in youths or teens, and indeed the unemployed.

Looking at attitudes to depression, the report said it is “worrying” that a lower proportion of people are of the view that depression is readily treated with medication. Whilst there seems to be a broadening awareness of depression, there does not appear to be a clear understanding of the condition. It is still regarded as a mystery to many and this affects the ability to understand depression and its treatment.

Meanwhile, the Mental Health Reform group welcomed a commitment made by Minister for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch on TV3’s Vincent Browne Show to set up a directorate of mental health later in the year.

According to the minister, the mental health services are to get their own directorate with executive and budgetary powers this autumn. Lobby groups have repeatedly called for this, as outlined in the reform document, A Vision for Change.

“We welcome the commitment but this needs to be headed up by a director with budgetary powers reporting directly to the CEO,” said director of Mental Health Reform Orla Barry.

The Department of Health, however, said there was no official statement on the matter at present.