Irish Teens Unable to Identify Depression
Posted on: 20 July 2015
Many Irish teenagers are unable to identify signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, according to new research on mental health literacy among adolescents conducted by psychologists at Trinity College Dublin.
The research, which has been published in the July edition of the Journal of Adolescent Research, has found that only half of participants in the study correctly identified depression in hypothetical case studies and only 10% correctly identified suicide ideation.
Additionally, the study found that participants were unable to identify appropriate treatment for peers experiencing depression and a sizable minority of young people did not recognise the importance of adult help for a friend experiencing emotional distress. One third of all participants said they would only involve their peer-group in the provision of help for a depressed friend.
Overall, the findings of this study, which involved 187 adolescents aged between 15 and 19, indicates that while Irish adolescents with depression may prefer support from friends instead of seeking support from a professional, it is unlikely that their friends will be able to recognise their symptoms. It is also unlikely that their friends will identify the importance of engaging an adult’s support. Girls were more likely than boys to name multiple ways in which they would help a depressed friend.
The study paints a worrying picture of Irish teenagers’ knowledge of mental health issues, according to post graduate student Sadhbh Byrne who conducted the research with Dr Lorraine Swords and Dr Elizabeth Nixon of the School of Psychology and Children’s Research Centre in Trinity.
“While the majority of adolescents in our study showed great concern for a friend experiencing distress, their specific knowledge of the characteristics of mental disorders and potential suicidality was lacking. The identification of depression is considered an important component of mental health literacy, and is critical in helping an individual to access appropriate help,” she added.
“We know from previous research that approximately 20% of young Irish people show symptoms of mental health problems, of which depression is the most concerning, given the strong link with suicide. Ireland has the fourth highest rate of suicide in Europe among 15 to 24 year olds. Our research points to the need to educate young people about the need to seek adult help for a friend experiencing emotional distress.”
Media Coverage:
Irish Examiner, July 18th, 2015
Irish Daily Mail, July 18th, 2015
IrishHealth.com, July 19th, 2015
UTV Online News, July 18th, 2015
MedicalExpress.com, July 20th, 2015
HealthCanal.com, July 20th, 2015