Survey finds high prevalence of self-stigma around mental health difficulties in Ireland

Men and those over 55 are less likely to report experiences of mental health difficulties

New research has revealed Irish people are more likely to treat loved ones experiencing mental health difficulties with compassion than themselves.

An annual attitudes survey for St Patrick's Mental Health Services, found 22% of us would consider seeking treatment for ourselves a sign of weakness - compared to just 9% if others did.

The survey found that half of people who have experienced mental health difficulties did not seek treatment due to stigma or embarrassment.

This self-stigma can often be greater than external stigma, said CEO of St Patrick's Mental Health Services, Paul Gilligan.

"Self-stigma occurs when negative stereotypes about mental health are internalised, affecting a person’s self-esteem and reducing their likelihood to engage with the supports needed to recover," he said.

Ireland has made significant progress in recent years in improving attitudes and awareness of mental health and reducing stigma on a societal level.

Mr Gilligan said that now we must look inwards and address any personal stigma that might exist.

"Contrary to what self-stigma tells us, acknowledging and seeking support for mental health difficulties is neither a weakness nor a failure but a courageous and necessary step on the journey to recovery," said Mr Gilligan.

We must remember to treat ourselves compassionately and to be encouraging and supportive to ourselves in the same way we would with a loved one.” 

Chair of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Service Users and Supporters Council, Gary Kiernan, spoke about his own experience with self-stigma and the impact it had on him.

"It took me over a year to fully accept that I had a mental health difficulty," he said.

"The fear and anxiety of how I would be viewed by other people led me to internalise beliefs about my mental health and to not fully accept that I was experiencing depression."

It was only when he sought treatment that he understood that seeking support for mental health is the same as looking for support when physically ill.

"Open and honest conversations can be a powerful tool in tackling internalised stigma. When you’re sick, you’re sick and it’s nothing to be ashamed of," said Mr Kiernan.

The important thing to remember is that support is available, and those who love you will want to you to seek help."

The survey also found that women and those under the age of 35 are the most likely to report experiences of mental health difficulties while men and those over 55 are less likely.

Almost 60% of people are afraid of experiencing mental health difficulties in the future. Seven out of 10 parents of under 18s worry over their children's mental health.

In the workplace, 59% would be comfortable explaining to their boss if they needed time off due to a mental health difficulty.

However, a quarter of people have experienced, or know someone who has, experienced discrimination at work or in their community due to mental health difficulties.

The top three ways Irish people manage their mental health are through hobbies, exercise, and time spent outdoors.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.