ALMOST HALF of people suffering from mental health problems such as depression do not seek professional help due mainly to the high cost of counselling and the stigma associated with seeking professional help, a new survey shows.
The survey, which is published today by Amárach Consulting, shows just over three-quarters of Irish people know someone who has suffered from mental health vulnerabilities over the past year.
Depression is the most common cause of mental health problems (38 per cent) in individuals followed by: bereavement (26 per cent); stress related issues (21 per cent); alcohol or drug addiction (15 per cent); bullying (8 per cent); and emotional abuse (7 per cent).
Just under half of people who are suffering mental health problems or know a close friend or family member with mental health problems sought counselling (49 per cent), says the survey.
The survey finds those people most exposed to the impact of the economic downturn in society – people from lower social class groups – are less likely than those in higher social class groups to seek counselling. Some 53 per cent of professionals in the ABC1 class category seek professional counselling compared to 46 per cent of those in the category of C2DE.
There are significant geographic differences in the number of people who sought counselling to treat mental health problems. Some 48 per cent of people in Dublin sought help; 50 per cent of people in Leinster; 58 per cent in Munster; and 37 per cent in Connacht.
The survey concludes people in Connacht seem more resistant to the concept of counselling compared to those in other regions.
Some 52 per cent of men say they are open to the concept of counselling compared to 66 per cent of women. Older people are also more open to seeking professional help compared to younger people.
The survey shows the cost of counselling is the main barrier to seeking professional help, with 58 per cent of people. Other barriers to seeking help are: stigma (46 per cent); availability (29 per cent); confidentiality (15 per cent); lack of privacy (12 per cent); and a difficulty in talking about problems (2 per cent).
The survey is published by Amárach Consulting to coincide with the launch today of a support programme by Beacon of Light – a Clondalkin-based family support and counselling organisation.
The survey is based on interviews with a nationally representative sample of some 1,000 people.
Amárach Consulting is co-ordinating the support programme, which aims to raise €50,000 and get volunteer support for Beacon of Light from firms and staff based in the Citywest business campus.
Orla Murphy, director of Amárach Research, said the survey showed the openness of people to availing of counselling services is extremely positive.
“However the role of stigma as a barrier to counselling is one that is particularly relevant for consideration by the wider community and by the media.”
In difficult economic times, the demand for counselling and support services will rise just as Government’s ability to meet this demand declines.
“Our initiative is an attempt to bridge the funding gap for Beacon of Light by engaging with our corporate neighbours and colleagues here in Citywest and the wider hinterland over the next 12 months,” said Ms Murphy.