Over 50% of people in Ireland believe they have suffered depression, new study reveals

More than half of people in Ireland believe they have suffered from depression, a new study has revealed.

While 21% of those surveyed said they have received an official diagnosis of depression, 52% reported an experience of depression over their lifetime, according to Aware's 2024 annual mental health survey.

The charity is campaigning to raise more awareness to the symptoms of anxiety and depression, as the number of people suffering from both in the country remains high.

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Of the 52% who said they have experienced depression at some stage in their life, 29% are significantly affected, saying that most days their mood is so low they can't function.

The 1,200 respondents completed a clinical assessment tool, and 12% were found to be experiencing moderate levels of depression at the time.

Moderate depression was most prevalent in those with a chronic illness (18%), followed by skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers, casual workers, pensioners and the unemployed (16%).

Of all people surveyed, 7% have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, with this increasing to 25% for those aged 25-34.

A further 8% said they believe they have an undiagnosed anxiety disorder, with 17% saying they experience anxiety frequently.

Of the 42% that reported suffering from some form of anxiety, 60% said it makes going to work and attending responsibilities difficult, while 27% said their anxiety is so bad they can't function.

Financial issues continue to be the number one issue causing Irish people worry, with 56% of those surveyed saying it is the top issue that leads to their low mood.

Followed by that was 36% saying family issues is their number one stressor, while 34% said its romantic relationships and 31% said it is work-related stress.

Twenty percent of the 1,2000 people surveyed said they are experiencing loneliness.

While 52% of those surveyed believe they have experienced depression and 42% reporting symptoms of anxiety, Aware has said that the majority have a narrow understanding of the symptoms of depression.

Seventy two percent claimed they have a good awareness of depression, but when asked to list the main symptoms the majority only listed those linked to mood, such as feeling sad or low, loss of interest and low energy.

Not one respondent mentioned physical aches and pains, only 13% referenced changes in sleeping patterns and 8% cited suicidal thoughts and low self-esteem.

Despite this, more people are taking action to address their mental health difficulties, with 81% seeking help, which is a 7% rise on last year.

However, perceived stigma continues to inhibit people from accessing support, with 45% of those surveyed saying they delayed accessing mental health support due to "shame, embarrassment or fear of judgement".

Commenting on the results, Dr Susan Brannick, Clinical Director at Aware said: “Our results show that not only do depression and anxiety remain a problem for many people, but for those experiencing more severe difficulties, they can have a significant impact on daily life.

"It’s striking that those living with a chronic illness are experiencing higher rates of depression. This highlights the need for responsive and timely mental health supports and services across general health settings for those living with a chronic illness."

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