Talking Depression
Talking Depression aims to encourage people to find the right support and to continue conversations about depression.
Ireland has one of the highest mental illness rates in Europe, with around 150,000 people each year living with severe depression1,2. Yet many feel isolated and uninformed due to stigma, preventing them from seeking help.2,3
This website provides useful information and videos, featuring insights from people living with depression and expert advice from healthcare professionals.
The Story of Dane Galligan
In this video, adventurer Dane Galligan speaks with broadcaster Elaine Crowley about his journey living with severe depression. Dane shares his earliest memories of experiencing symptoms of depression which included feelings of anger and an inability to handle his emotions which spiralled into depression.
Depression is an invisible, yet identifiable and treatable illness. A person living with mild depression might experience a variety of symptoms...
Diagnosis is an important first step to get the help that you need when living with severe depression. By speaking to a healthcare professional (HCP)....
Treatment for depression typically involves medication, a type of therapy also known as psychotherapy, or a mixture of both.1
If you’re living with depression, socialising may seem like the last thing you want to do, but isolation can form a vicious cycle.
Healthcare experts provide insights on treatments, appointments, assessments and support for people living with depression.
People living with depression share their experience, describe how they found support and discuss the importance of encouraging conversation.
The Little Book of Big Conversations
Open and honest conversations about depression are an important step towards ensuring that people get the support they need. However, we understand that starting these conversations can be daunting and knowing where to begin can be difficult.
That’s why we have worked in partnership with people living with depression and their loved ones, and our advocacy group partners GAMIAN-Europe and EUFAMI, to develop The Little Book of Big Conversations. This digital book is full of small pieces of practical advice to help make those big conversations about depression a little bit easier.
Available supports
If you have been affected by any of the issues, please contact Aware on freephone 1800 80 48 48 or Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie
In an emergency, get help immediately by calling the emergency services on 112 or 999 or your mental health unit or hospital.
References
- CSO, Irish Health Survey 2015, see ‘Table 6: All persons aged 15 years and over classified by mental health status in previous two weeks, 2015’. 3% of respondents reporting as experiencing moderately severe or severe depression is estimated MDD patient population. Estimated 150,000 people with MDD is 3% of projected population in 2020 (4.98m). Available at: https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ihs/irishhealthsurvey2015/ct/ Accessed: January 2024.
- Aware’s national survey reveals high rates of depression and anxiety. Available here: https://www.aware.ie/national-survey-2023/#:~:text=The%20survey%20revealed%20that%20depression,cent)%20stating%20an%20official%20diagnosis
- Patient research on major depressive disorder carried out by Ipsos MRBI between 2nd October – 3rd November 2020 on behalf of Janssen Sciences Ireland.