AN AWARENESS campaign on depression has been launched in Limerick.
The intensive public advertising campaign, funded by the National Suicide Research Foundation, will run until January 16.
“We want to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for depression or suicidal behaviour.
“We want to reinforce with the public that depression is a treatable condition, while tackling stigma and inaccurate opinions,” said Dr Ella Arensman, National Suicide Research Foundation.
“There are still people around that believe it only affects those that are vulnerable, but it can affect anybody.
“There is also a misconception that once someone is depressed they are always depressed, but international research has shown that this is not the case”.
Rates of deliberate self-harm have increased significantly in Limerick since 2007, and suicide rates have also increased.
“This is the reason that Limerick has been selected as an area to use a multilevel approach to tackling depression.
“This campaign is positive in nature…the people on the posters are smiling.
“We identified that there is a pattern in posters from the 70s and 80s to show people sitting down with their head in their hands, which is not helpful”.
Although the locations of the posters are random, the timing of the campaign is not, added Ella:
“We picked early January as we felt that many people will be travelling and will see the posters.
Dr Arensman reminded people that may be affected by depression or suicidal behaviour that help is always available.
“The Samaritans are available at 1850609090, and Aware can be called at 1890303302”.
