33% would not want a depressed person as a friend

ONE in three Irish people believe those who suffer from mental health issues are of “below average intelligence” and almost 50% believe the person should be discriminated against in terms of employment because they are “unreliable”.

A new survey released ahead world mental health day tomorrow has found that despite an increased awareness of mental health issues, long-standing stigmas continue to hamper those affected.

According to the survey, by the Dublin-based St Patrick’s University Hospital, one in three people would not “willingly” accept someone who is depressed as a close friend.