People suffer depression in silence due to stigma

STIGMA is still the main reason people hide their mental illness, with a survey published last year showing more than six out of 10 suffered in silence before seeking help.

The survey of patients at St Patrick’s University Hospital found that 45% were unlikely to discuss their mental illness with friends and this increased to almost 60% when asked about work colleagues.

Almost one in five blamed the stigma attached to mental illness for not discussing the issue with others while 10% said they were embarrassed.