Troubles victims' mental health affected - study

The Troubles in Northern Ireland have lead to an increased level of mental illness, including depression, a new study has found…

The Troubles in Northern Ireland have lead to an increased level of mental illness, including depression, a new study has found.

The statistical study into health and social care in Northern Ireland compiled by the British Department of Health included the impact of years of conflict on the health of the population.

In a survey of survivors of the Enniskillen blast, which killed 11 people and injured 63, it found that they were more likely to suffer from psychological disorders than the general population.

It also found that people in areas of high violence reported more symptoms of physical illness than low violence areas.

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A total of 13 per cent of people living in areas that experienced high violence reported having poor health, compared with just 4 per cent in areas of little conflict.

The report concluded that understanding of the long term effects of Northern Ireland's troubles on the minds of young people was very poor.

It also found that females exposed to violence were three times as likely to suffer from depression as males, while anxiety disorders were almost twice as common.

On the religious divide, it found that Catholics were more likely than Protestants to report adverse effects of the conflict on their lives and that of their families.

The survey also looked at the different effects of the violence on people from wealthy and poor backgrounds. It found that people from poorer households were more likely to have borne the brunt of the troubles.

A total of 7.8 per cent said the conflict had affected their area, while 7.6 per cent said it had a direct impact on their lives. This compared with 3.8 per cent and 4.5 per cent of those questioned from wealthier backgrounds.

The 300 page report focuses on diversity and variations within Northern Ireland that are relevant to the health of the population.

As well as looking at the impact of the troubles, it also examined areas such as stress, mental health and suicide; general health and social wellbeing; lifestyle and the use of health and social care services.