Some 15 per cent of Irish people display "suicidal ideas", the highest in a survey of six countries, according to the depression support group Aware.
A week-long campaign to promote awareness of depression in Irish society is being unveiled by Aware in Dublin this morning.
Aware's research revealed that Ireland and Britain had the highest prevalence of depressive disorders, with 12 per cent of the population affected by such illnesses.
In a sample chosen at random in Ireland, 15 per cent of people had "suicidal ideas". The study says the single most important factor associated with suicidal ideas was depressed mood.
Aware said among the "many myths" about the treatment of depression is the mistaken belief that drugs are "second best", and that taking anti-depression drugs is a sign of weakness or an "easy way out".
"Not everybody who feels sad and gloomy even needs anti-depressants," Aware said. "These drugs are not an intervention for those who are lonely, unhappy in their marriages or who have chronic social problems, and for this group indeed having a person to whom they can unburden is necessary."
Aware said a social model concerning attitudes and values and how these impinge on suicide rates across countries and continents might help explain why Irish people are opting for suicide in "ever increasing numbers".
Depression Awareness Week Nationwide (DAWN) takes place from today until Saturday September 13th. Saturday also marks the annual Daisy Day, where members of the public are asked to make a donation and wear a daisy in aid of Aware.