New survey reveals quite alarming statistics about Ireland’s attitudes to mental health

Almost half of Irish people have never talked to someone about their mental health.

Nearly half (48%) of Irish people admit that they should make more time to talk about their mental health, according to new research by Lyons Tea. The study of over 1,000 Irish residents shows that the country is divided when it comes to opening up about mental health. Of those surveyed, 40% said that they think about their mental health regularly but one in five of the participants said that it was not something that they are conscious of in their day to day life. Furthermore, substance abuse (31%), trauma from the past (31%), loneliness (30%), loss of a loved one (26%), bullying at school or work (25%) or mortgage/rent problems (25%) were all factors that Irish residents cited as triggering mental health issues. Two main barriers that stopped people from talking about mental health were embarrassment and being afraid to admit they had a problem and participants said that support from a loved one was the main prompting factor for encouraging a conversation. Only 16% of people say that they frequently take steps to mind themselves, which is not that surprising given that 22% of young adults in Ireland are reluctant to talk about any mental health issues that they may be experiencing. World Mental Health Day takes place on Tuesday 10 October and for the second year running, Lyons Tea is partnering with Pieta House, the Centre for Suicide, Self-Harm Prevention and Suicide Bereavement Services, to encourage more people to talk openly about their mental wellbeing. Their ‘Time to Talk’ campaign is rolling out nationwide with Pieta House taking over Lyons Tea Original 80s boxes for the month. These special takeover packs include contact information for anyone who feels they require the services of Pieta House and Lyons Tea will donate 10 cent to the organisation for every pack sold. Paul Kelly, Marketing Director at Lyons Tea said: "Our World Mental Health Day research findings have shown that a lot of us are prone to keeping serious matters to ourselves but at Lyons Tea we want to raise awareness for mental health by encouraging people to take time to talk. The work that Pieta House does to help anyone who needs to speak to someone is astounding and we are delighted to be partnering with them for the second year of ‘Time to Talk’." If you are feeling upset or depressed, you are not alone. There are many people and organisations out there who will do their utmost to get you the help you need.