Poll: Recession takes its toll on people’s mental health

The recession is taking its toll on the nation’s mental health, as figures show a rise in the number of people experiencing a mental health problem, often linked to financial strain.

The research shows more than 55% of people claim to have some experience of a mental health problem, either personally or with someone they know, compared to 37% of respondents to a similar survey in 2010.

The research — conducted on behalf of the See Change partnership to mark World Mental Health Week which starts today — also indicates that 77% of those who describe their own financial situations to be under severe strain have experienced a mental health issue, either themselves or through others.

The survey also highlighted an increased willingness to seek professional help for a mental health problem — 91% of those surveyed said they would seek help if they had a mental health issue.

See Change campaign manager, Kahlil Thompson-Coyle, said more work is needed to remove the stigma of mental health issues: “While financial hardship has seen people’s experience with mental health problems increase, there is also increased fear and perceived risk around being open about a mental health problem with family, partners, friends and colleagues.”

See Change ambassador Alastair Campbell, formerly an adviser to Tony Blair, is also involved in the campaign to create wider discussion about mental health.

Ms Kahlil Thompson-Coyle said many people were still concerned that if they disclosed a mental health problem it would prompt a negative reaction in others: “An increasing number of those surveyed said they would hide a mental health problem from family, friends, and employers and work colleagues, and would even delay seeking help for fear of someone finding out. Similarly, there was an increased belief that peers would react negatively to a person’s mental health disclosure; ignoring the person, distancing themselves, ending relationships and limiting career prospects.”

She said See Change would now focus on those under financial strain as a new target group.

Full details of the findings will be published today.

* www.seechange.ie