Mental health issues still taboo for young people, study finds

MOST young people would not seek help if they had mental health problems, research has found.

The survey among 15- to 24-year-olds was carried out as part of an initiative by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), the Samaritans and pharmaceutical company Lundbeck Ireland to mark World Mental Health Day today.

The Mind Yourselves mental health education campaign, aimed at students, involves supplying material encouraging positive mental health to student advisers in colleges around the country.

It is estimated that around 8% of students are affected by clinical depression at any one time.

But two-thirds of those surveyed said they believe depression is difficult to discuss. More than one- third of students said that if they suffered from depression, they would try to ignore their condition, and 55% said they would try to sort it out alone.

Rather than talk to friends or family, or seeking professional help with depression, 11% of male students and 7% of females said they would try to cope by taking drink and drugs.

Research published last week revealed that up to one-in-five teenagers may have some form of psychological disorder, but most of these can be treated if they are detected early.

USI welfare officer Kelly Mackey said colleges have a range of services to help students struggling with challenges, such as living away from home, mixing in new social circles or meeting the demands of the college work load.

She advised students “to avail of the support structures, including student health centres, welfare officers and counselling. Positive mental health can be achieved by opening up and sharing feelings, becoming involved in college activity outside your course and dropping the internal negative commentary”.

Samaritans spokeswoman Lisa Wade said the first step on the road to recovery is to admit that help is needed.

“It often requires a great deal of courage for people to admit they need help, and more so to reach out for it. Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair and may be an option for a person who wants to talk to someone outside of college,” Ms Wade said.