Aware to highlight depression in Ireland

The support group Aware is due to highlight the issue of depression in Ireland this week.

Depression Awareness Week begins today and culminates with a three-day Daisy Days fundraiser between Thursday and Saturday.

Recent research found that around 300,000 Irish people suffer from depression.

More than 500 people also commit suicide in Ireland every year, the vast majority of them men.

Studies have shown that 15% of Irish depression sufferers have suicidal thoughts.

Speaking at the launch of Depression Awareness Week, Patricia Casey, a professor of psychiatry at UCD and consultant psychiatrist at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, said treating depression properly could save lives.

"Most people who take their lives have depression of one sort or another and the message that I’m trying to get across today is, if you are feeling depressed, seek professional help," she said.

"Depression is a treatable illness. By treating depression vigorously, we can target people who are at risk of suicide and thereby prevent suicide."