Amnesty Ireland has commissioned top DCU researchers to conduct the Republic’s first nationwide study into mental health discrimination.
The five month study is part of Amnesty International’s larger three year study of mental health issues. The Irish study will look into the levels of discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.
“Mental health issues have long been stigmatised in Ireland and while this is changing those suffering from depression, or people with undesignated mental health problems, still face discrimination.” Said project coordinator Muriel Redmond.
The study will chiefly examine types of discrimination facing people with mental health problems in the workplace, educational sector and in their home and personal lives. One of the key areas of study, according to researcher Richard Lakeman, is self-discrimination.
According to Mr Lakeman issues such as low self-esteem can have long term and debilitating effects, “Relatively common mental health problems can prevent people from doing simple things such as applying for jobs or socialising […] this is one of the key areas we want to look into.”
While this is a national study the researchers say they are particularly interested in the in student experiences.
Students wishing to take park in the study can apply by contacting Muriel Redmond in the School of Nursing at 01 700 7923 or by email at muriel.redmond@dcu.ie. Applications are open until April with the study taking less than an hour.
