More than 300,000 people suffer from depression in Ireland, according to the charity group Aware.
The group today publicised Depression Awareness Week Nationwide (Dawn) to highlight depressive illness which, according to the World Health Organization, will become the second most common illness in the developing world within five years.
Aware also found the workplace is less tolerant today of mental health problems than it was 10 years ago and 87 per cent of those with depression reporting they give a fictitious diagnosis to their employer.
Speaking today, President Mary McAleese said such events "represent a vital part in helping to heighten public awareness of depression, and help dispel the myths, misconceptions and misrepresentations associated with it.
"We need a society which takes seriously the role of community in promoting a culture of physical and mental well-being and a society which has a keen insight into the damage which can be caused by the clumsiness of ignorance," she added.
Events taking place as part of Dawn include free public lectures around the country, as well as Aware's fundraising campaign, Daisy Days, towards the end of next week.
