Survey highlights Irish society’s resilience during pandemic

Findings released from St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ annual Attitudes to Mental Health and Stigma Survey have reiterated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s mental health, with results showing that nearly half of Irish adults (41%) have been treated for a mental health difficulty – representing an increase of 6% from last year’s findings and a 16% increase since 2019.

The survey, carried out by Amárach Research on behalf of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, polled a nationally representative sample of nearly 850 adults and was conducted online between June 30 and July 7 last.

One-quarter of respondents are experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, and some 43% noted that they themselves, or a family member, have sought mental health treatment or support during this time.

Despite the higher number of people experiencing mental health difficulties or seeking support, 66% believe that being treated for a mental health difficulty is still seen by Irish society as a sign of personal failure, and 16% would consider it a sign of weakness if they sought help for a mental health difficulty during the ongoing pandemic, with these figures highlighting the need for a sustained approach to tackling mental health stigma in Ireland.

The increased mental health implications from COVID-19 however, are not exclusive to adults, as the survey also revealed that 23% of parents to under-18s have sought mental health support for their child (7% increase since 2020), and of these parents who have sought support, 57% have had their child diagnosed with a mental health difficulty – an increase of 20% since 2020.

When asked about the long-term impact of the pandemic on their child’s mental health, 62% of parents are concerned, and 49% of parents believe that lockdown restrictions have negatively impacted their child’s mental health – a 15% increase since 2020, coinciding with the introduction of ongoing restrictions since March last year.

This year’s annual mental health survey also showed a significant increase in the number of respondents who believe that there is a worrying prevalence of anxiety in Irish society (87%) – representing an increase of 10% in just two years.