Despite advancements in mental health treatment, people are still afraid to seek help for mental health difficulties according to a report released today.
A recent internal survey among service users of St. Patrick’s showed that many people live with the distressing symptoms of mental ill-health for long periods without accessing mental health advice or treatment.
Forty-one per cent of those surveyed had lived with their symptoms for at least one year before seeking help.
It seems that stigma is still a huge factor in people being afraid to seek help, with thirty-eight per cent of people feeling ashamed in asking for help.
Prof. Jim Lucey, Medical Director at St. Patrick’s said although a lot of work had been done to address the stigma of mental illness, a lot more was still to do. “Nobody should feel ashamed for being ill. Like every other illness, early intervention is essential”, he said.
“In today’s society it is inexcusable that lack of awareness of mental health issues still causes such significant delay for people seeking treatment.”
