MANY PATIENTS with psychiatric problems are unlikely to discuss their illness with friends or work colleagues because of the stigma attached to mental illness, a new survey shows.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, St Patrick’s hospital in Dublin commissioned IMS Millward Brown to conduct a survey of current service users.
Based on a representative sample of 154 service users, initial survey findings show that most patients (62 per cent) said they waited at least a year before getting help.
When it came to discussing the problem, a large proportion said they would not discuss it with friends (45 per cent) and work colleagues (57 per cent).
The main reasons given for not discussing the issues were stigma (19 per cent), a lack of understanding (18 per cent) and embarrassment (10 per cent).
When patients were diagnosed as having a mental illness, the reaction was generally negative. More than half (54 per cent) said that they felt afraid when diagnosed, while others felt ashamed (37 per cent) or embarrassed (29 per cent).
Patients also expressed concern at the lack of awareness of mental health in general.
One-quarter of those surveyed claimed others did not understand mental illness. A large proportion of younger patients were particularly concerned that their illness was perceived as attention-seeking.
Paul Gilligan, chief executive of St Patrick’s hospital, said the findings provided further evidence that there were many obstacles preventing those who suffer from mental health problems accessing appropriate help.
“It is worrying that many sufferers feel afraid, embarrassed or ashamed about their difficulties, and that many are still reluctant to seek appropriate supports.”
Prof Jim Lucey, medical director of St Patrick’s, said that it was vital that anyone suffering from mental illness gets early treatment.
