Mental health problems are still seen as a sign of failure in society here, a shocking new survey has found.

Around 65% of people said they believed there is a stigma attached to those who have some form of psychiatric condition.

The survey, conducted by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, shows those with mental health issues are still often treated as outcasts.

St Patrick’s chief Paul Gilligan said: “The fact that 65% of people surveyed acknowledge that being treated for a mental health problem is viewed by Irish society as a sign of failure is very disappointing.

“People that proactively seek and receive help are taking a courageous step on the road to recovery (and) Irish society should encourage and support this.

“While there are many mental health public awareness campaigns there is a need to tackle these misunderstandings and stigmatising attitudes and this is best achieved through a concerted schools based education campaign.”

The survey found:

65% said being treated for a mental health problem is a sign of failure

One-in-five would not trust someone who previously had a mental health problem, and

Only 54% said people would willingly accept someone with a mental health problem as a close friend. It has also been revealed a greater number of women (28%) than men (20%) report having been treated for a mental health problem.

Meanwhile a conference in Croke Park to mark World Suicide Prevention Day heard the official figures show 475 people took their own life here last year. Suicide prevention charity Console yesterday called on the Government to allow the inquests on suicide victims to be held in private.

Founder Paul Kelly should this country should follow the North and Scotland where this is the case.

He said: “Families bereaved by suicide have gone through one of the most devastating events possible, and in many ways they can feel as if they are on being put on trial at a public inquest.”

Junior health minister, Kathleen Lynch admitted the Government is very concerned about the high level of suicide deaths and fears that they are being under-reported.