Men under 25 embarrassed to talk of depression

THE majority of men under the age of 25 are embarrassed to discuss depression, according to the latest study on the condition.

Two-thirds of men of all ages are embarrassed to talk about depression and a quarter are also more likely to view depression as a state of mind, rather than a medical condition.

The figures emerged in the recent Lundbeck Mental Health Barometer 2010, now in its sixth year of research on attitudes and perceptions of depression and anxiety disorder.

The research also found that almost one in five people know someone close to them who suffers with depression. The research also found 12% know someone with anxiety, a figure which has grown consistently since the research was first carried out in 2005.

Prof Patricia Casey, Professor of Psychiatry at UCD and Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mater Hospital, Dublin, said: “It is worrying to see young men stating that they are embarrassed to talk about depression, particularly given that they are at a high risk of suicide. The attitude of depression being a state of mind or a weakness will not encourage young men to approach their healthcare professional for help. It may not be easy to take that first step, but there is help available for those who need it.”

The research also revealed an indication of a wider knowledge of depression among the general public. In 2009 there was a significant uplift from two in five to one in two people saying that there would have been familial or wider knowledge of a depressive episode. This figure has been sustained into 2010, suggesting a continued trend. There has also been an increase in the perception of the disruption caused by depression – 70% perceived depression to be very disruptive, a significant rise from 59% in 2009.

The World Health Organisation estimates that depression is the second most disabling medical disorder in the age category 15-44. In Ireland it is estimated that some 400,000 people suffer from depression at any one time.

* If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and/or are having any thoughts of suicide or death, talk to a healthcare professional or with groups such as AWARE on lo-call 1890 303 302.