Finian McGrath
Question:1117. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on recent research (details supplied) regarding mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32094/15]
View answerTuesday, 22 September 2015
Questions (1117)
Written answers
I presume the Deputy is referring to the recent online survey conduced by St Patrick's Hospital with 507 adults aged 18 - 70 years. The survey findings indicate that
- Only 53% of respondents agree that people with a mental health difficulty are trustworthy.
- 67% agree that Irish people view people being treated for a mental health difficulty as a sign of personal failure.
- Approximately 1 in 4 do not believe that Irish people would be willing to accept someone with a mental health issue as a close friend.
- Only 21% believe that Irish employers would be comfortable employing someone with a mental health problem.
- 29% of respondents would not trust someone with a previous mental health difficulty to babysit.
These findings are very disappointing. We are all aware of the stigma which is associated with having a mental health problem and that stigma can be the most damaging factor in the life of anyone who has a mental illness. It is important, therefore, that we change our attitudes and our thinking about mental health and create an environment that recognises and treats people with mental health problems similarly to other health needs. We need to foster a culture where people in difficulty, do not hesitate to seek help; a culture that recognises the signs and signals of distress and is willing to offer help, and one which embraces difference and excludes stigma.
See Change, the national mental health stigma reduction programme is working to change minds about mental health. It is a community driven social movement to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems. See Change is working with over 90 partner organisations, 200 volunteers and 60 campaign ambassadors and its work is supported by a strong evidence base.
Currently See Change activities include the Please Talk Programme – a student-focused, student-led mental health campaign in third level institutions; the Workplace Programme to address stigma in the workplace; an Outreach Programme with Rural and Farming Communities; a Community Engagement Strand (volunteer programme, First Fortnight rural tour); and a Stigma Reductions Communications (Ambassadors Programme, Online and Social Media).
In tandem with the above stigma reduction is a key feature of Connecting for Life the new National strategy to reduce suicide. I would hope that these initiatives will help to bring about real change in our society and assist in reducing the stigma that is so often associated with mental health problems.