A survey carried out by ReachOut.com, Ireland’s online mental health service for young people, has revealed encouragingly positive attitudes towards mental health, as 99% of those surveyed believe that ‘anyone can experience a mental health problem’. This result shows an increased openness towards mental health and a growing understanding of the need to look after it.
The third annual ReachOut.com user survey aimed to explore attitudes towards mental health among ReachOut.com visitors, as well as knowledge and preferences around seeking help for themselves and others.
The research revealed online as the top source of support when seeking help, with 73% of respondents listing ReachOut.com as the first place they would go if they were going through a tough time. This was in preference to friends, family or a health professional.
ReachOut.com has reported that 70% of its visitors connect with them in the evening time or at weekends. This indicates that they are more likely to contact an online mental health service in their downtime, when they have more time to think and reflect.
A commentary analysis conducted by ReachOut.com identified the issues of depression, anxiety, sex and relationships as the most commonly communicated topics of concern on the site.
The results from ReachOut.com’s user survey indicate that knowledge and understanding about help-seeking is linked to personal help-seeking behaviour. The higher a person rated their understanding of how to help a friend, the more likely they were to talk to someone themselves if they were going through a tough time.
The research found that younger respondents; 12 to 25 year olds, had significantly higher levels of psychological distress compared to those aged over 25. It was found that 55% of 12 to 25 year olds scored ‘severe’ compared with 45% of those aged over 25.
Elaine Geraghty CEO of ReachOut.com says ‘As the national online mental health service for young people, our annual user survey is fundamental in understanding and documenting any change in attitudes towards mental health in Ireland. The findings this year are really positive and reflect a more open understanding around what mental health is and an increased recognition that anyone can go through a tough time at any point in their life.
In a week in which the Samaritans report fewer phone calls in 2013 and a marked increase in the number of people contacting them through mediums such as email and text, the value and promotion of supports such as ReachOut.com becomes increasingly important.’
