A toast to your mental health

Aware helping people who are struggling

- BY SEAN MURPHY

MENTAL health in Ireland has never been better understood - with more people than ever accessing services, it is claimed.

Psychologists say a fractured mind and a broken bone both need treatment as a new national survey is published for Mental Health Week.

The findings include 25% of people personally engaging with mental health services, or knowing a friend or family member who has, while 25% also reported a diagnosis of depression or anxiety.

The research comes from the charity Aware, which was set up in 1985 to help people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and other mood-related conditions.

Aware's clinical director Dr Susan Brannick said: "This survey shows that people are talking more openly and understanding has deepened."