Stigma of mental health remains engrained in Irish society, reveals survey

Mental health stigma remains engrained in Irish society, a survey shows.

The findings, released today by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, reveal that only 53% of people believe that those with a mental health difficulty are trustworthy.

Almost seven out of 10 (67%) viewed being treated for a mental health difficulty as a sign of personal failure. Around one in four do not believe people would be willing to accept someone with a mental health issue as a close friend. And just one in five believe employers would be comfortable employing someone with a mental health problem.