Three-quarters of men embarrassed to discuss depression
New research launched recently reveals that the majority of men under the age of 25 years are embarrassed to discuss depression.
Now in its sixth year of research Mind Yourself – Lundbeck Mental Health Barometer has annually charted attitudes and perceptions of depression and anxiety in Ireland to give an overview of how they affect both those living with these conditions and their friends and family.
The research also found that two-thirds of all men are embarrassed to talk about depression and one-quarter are also more likely to view depression as a state of mind, rather than a medical condition.
Almost one in five people know someone close to them who suffers with depression. In addition, the research also found that 12 per cent know someone with anxiety, a figure which has grown consistently since the research was first carried out in 2005.
Findings from the research also revealed an indication of a wider knowledge of depression among the general public. In 2009, there was a significant uplift from 2 in 5 to 1 in 2 people saying that there would have been familial or wider knowledge of a depressive episode.
This figure has been sustained into 2010, suggesting a continued trend. There has also been an increase in the perception of the disruption caused by depression.
This year 70 per cent of people perceived depression to be very disruptive, a significant increase from 59 per cent in 2009.
Speaking about the research Prof Patricia Casey, Professor of Psychiatry at UCD and Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mater Hospital, Dublin, said:“It is worrying to see young men stating that they are embarrassed to talk about depression, particularly given that they are at a high risk of suicide.
"The attitude of depression being a state of mind or a weakness will not encourage young men to approach their health care professional for help. It may not be easy to take that first step but there is help available for those who need it.”
The research also revealed that among adults there is a growing perception that depression is most common among the unemployed. Indeed, for individual depression sufferers there is a continuing shift towards the view that it is most common among young people (39 per cent versus 15 per cent in 2008) and those who are unemployed (38 per cent versus 20 per cent in 2008).
This perception could be a result of the continued economic recession and reflect a narrower understanding of depression and its pervasiveness.
The WHO estimates that depression is currently the second most disabling medical disorder in the age category 15-44. In Ireland it is estimated that some 400,000 people suffer from depression at any one time.
Symptoms may include feeling unhappy most of the time, a loss of interest in life, feeling anxious, agitated or irritable, feeling guilty, changes to sleeping patterns, change in appetite, feeling tired a lot of the time or low energy levels.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and/or are having any thoughts of suicide or death, talk to a healthcare professional or with groups such as AWARE on low call 1890 303 302.