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Talking Depression

Talking Depression

Real stories of support

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

Talking Depression aims to encourage people to find the right support by highlighting the importance of continued conversations about depression.

This section features real-life stories from people living with depression and their family members. They share their experience, how they find help and support, and encourage open, honest conversations about depression.

Building a support network

In this video, adventurer Dane Galligan speaks with broadcaster Elaine Crowley about the first time he opened up to those closest to him after being diagnosed and the support he has received from friends and family as someone living with severe depression.

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.

Educational Guidance on Depression

Providing guidance on the different stages of living with depression, from preparing appointments to treatment options.


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.

  1. Prevalence of Mental Health Illness. Available here: https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/research/#:~:text=The%20Health%20at%20a%20Glance,alcohol%2Fdrug%20use%20in%202016 Accessed: January 2024.
  2. 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
  3. Patient research on major depressive disorder carried out by Ipsos MRBI between 2nd October – 3rd November 2020 on behalf of Janssen Sciences Ireland.