Almost two-thirds of people think being treated for a mental health issue is seen as a sign of failure

41% of adults questioned said they have been treated for a mental health difficulty. File photo: iStock

As many as two thirds of people believe being treated for a mental health difficulty is seen by Irish society as a sign of personal failure, in spite of a spike in people seeking help since the start of the pandemic.

A survey of almost 850 people carried out for St Patrick’s Mental Health Services has found that one-quarter of respondents are experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19, while 43% said they themselves, or a family member, have sought mental health treatment or support during this period.