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.

People’s reactions to diagnosis of mental illness were overwhelmingly negative, with over half saying they felt afraid, almost 40% felt ashamed and almost 30% were embarrassed.

St Patrick’s is focused on the inclusion of those who suffer from mental illness.

The facility, and its sister hospital, St Edmundsbury, provides in-patient day-care and outpatient services for people with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and those with addictions and food disorders.

Management at St Patrick’s said its five-year target aims to combat the stigma surrounding conditions and have better treatment and support for suffers involving carers. New services launched during 2008 included a badly needed division for adolescents, community mental health clinics (Dean Clinics), specialist addiction services, and phone and internet supports.

Medical director Professor Jim Lucey said the hospital is committed to promoting mental health and to advocating for the rights of those who experience mental illness.

“St Patrick’s’ independence, national accessibility and commitment to service user participation places the organisation in a unique position to monitor, evaluate, highlight and respond to the many challenges facing those who suffer from mental illness,” he added.