Most People Think It’s Important To Talk Openly About Mental Health

91% of people in Ireland feel it is important to talk about mental health openly following See Change’s Green Ribbon Campaign 2016, according to recent research. The Green Ribbon Campaign is See Change’s flagship campaign. Each May the public are encouraged to talk openly about mental health to help end the stigma associated with  mental health problems.  Among the key findings was that people are now equally as likely to have conversations about mental health with friends and family or colleagues alike.

The research, which was conducted by Millward Brown, shows that 71% people have been encouraged to talk about mental health because of the 2016 Green Ribbon campaign compared to just over 66% after the 2015 campaign.

Almost 65% people have been hearing conversations about mental health among family and friends since the campaign (up from 62% in 2015).

61% people have been hearing mental health conversations in their workplaces since the campaign (up from 53% in 2014 and consistent with 2015).

Speaking about the study findings, See Change Campaign Coordinator Hazel Whelan says “We’re overwhelmed with the reaction to this year’s Green Ribbon campaign. What’s particularly striking is that figures are showing that people are just as likely to talk about mental health with colleagues as they are with friends and families. This is fantastic progress.”

She continues, “Concerns about stigma can stop people from talking about their mental health and getting the help they need. It’s wonderful to see people in Ireland feel they can be more open to conversations about mental health.”

1020 people aged 15 and over were surveyed across 64 locations throughout the four provinces as part of the research.