Survey shows growing understanding of mental health, but cost and waiting times continue to block access to support. Hope also comes out strongly as key to recovery.

“For me, the most powerful thing has been finding hope — knowing that with the right help, life with a mental health condition can be managed, and it can be fulfilling.” Professional singer Arlene Bailey, whose life changed when she was diagnosed with bipolor.

A new national survey has revealed how attitudes in Ireland towards mental health have shifted over the past four decades, as Aware, the national mental health charity, marks 40 years of supporting people impacted by depression, bipolar, and anxiety.

The survey, conducted by Amárach Research with a representative sample of 1,000 adults, was released to coincide with Aware Mental Health Week (6–12 October) and World Mental Health Day this Friday, 10 October.

While findings point to significant progress, they also highlight ongoing challenges in access and affordability.

Key findings include:

• 1 in 4 Irish adults report having been diagnosed with depression or anxiety
• 1 in 4 adults have directly engaged with Aware’s services or know a friend or family member who has
• 8 in 10 say there is a better understanding of mental health today compared with 40 years ago
• 81% believe there need to be better services for people with mental health challenges.
• 3 in 4 say the cost of services such as counselling and psychotherapy is a major barrier.
• Those over 65 were found to be the most hopeful

When it comes to services, 72% feel support has improved over 40 years, yet 81% say more needs to be done. Cost and waiting lists remain significant barriers. Three in four people said the cost of services including counselling and psychotherapy for people with mental health challenges is a big barrier for many and 8 in 10 said delays in accessing services are a problem.

The survey also explored hope, a concept increasingly recognised as central to recovery. Using a recognised, standardised measure known as the Adult Hope Scale, over 65s reported the highest levels of hope (56% had High Hope scores), while 1 in 5 (19%) of 25–34 year olds fell into the Low Hope category. When asked what sustained them during times they experienced a mental health challenge or difficulty, respondents pointed to family and close relationships (61%), personal resilience (44%), acts of kindness (39%), nature (33%), and Art, music, and creativity (26%), which shows how pivotal relationships and societal aspects are in people’s lives.

1 in 4 (28%) of respondents have personally used or know a friend or family member who has engaged with Aware’s services. Reflecting on the milestone and survey findings, Aware’s Clinical Director Dr. Susan Brannick said:“This week, we mark 40 years since we began supporting people and families impacted by depression and bipolar. This survey shows that Ireland has made real progress — people are talking more openly, and understanding has deepened — but it also reminds us that many still face stigma, cost, and access barriers when they reach out for help.

“There are more mental health services than 40 years ago but investment continues to lag behind WHO recommendations. Stigma is still a particular concern for those experiencing severe depression and longstanding mental health challenges. Whilst it appears social or public stigma regarding mental health has reduced, we know that self-stigma, when we internalise society’s negative attitudes, is still an issue and that this can impact on whether someone will access help or not.”

Aware was founded in 1985 by a team of volunteers, many of whom had their own experience of depression or bipolar disorder, and who wanted to support others. It has since grown from a single support group in Dublin to a nationwide organisation, offering free support, therapy, education, and information to people impacted by depression, bipolar and anxiety. Aware now supports approximately 40,000 people annually.

Aware’s free services include the Support Line and Support Mail services, Support & Self-Care Groups, and a range of evidence-based education programmes including a Resilience Programme, Family Support Programme, Living Well With Bipolar Programme and a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programme. Some 350 trained, dedicated Aware volunteers help to deliver the Support Line, Support Mail and Support & Self-Care Groups.

In the last 10 years alone, Aware has had more than 87,200 visits to its Support Groups. Since 2010, the Aware Support Line has received more than 197,000 calls. In 2025, Aware introduced a free Counselling service for people 18+ experiencing depression or anxiety.

Professional singer Arlene Bailey from Kildare, who took part in Aware’s Living Well with Bipolar programme, shared her own lived experience perspective: “For many years I was struggling with my mental health without fully understanding what was happening, and it had a huge impact on my wellbeing and my life. Receiving a diagnosis of bipolar five years ago was a turning point — it meant I could finally seek the right support and learn how to manage my condition. Taking part in Aware’s Living Well with Bipolar programme gave me practical tools and a safe space to share experiences, which has been invaluable. Looking at Aware’s 40-year journey, and even the findings of this new survey, I can see how far we’ve come in Ireland — people are talking more openly, and there is more support available than ever. But I also know how important it is to keep challenging stigma and to make sure support is there for everyone when they need it. For me, the most powerful thing has been finding hope — knowing that with the right help, life with a mental health condition can be managed, and it can be fulfilling.”

Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that depression is set to become the leading cause of disease burden by 2030. It recommends countries allocate 12% of their health budget to mental health — Ireland spends less than half of that*.

As Aware marks its 40th anniversary during Aware Mental Health Week 2025, the charity is inviting the public to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and work together towards a more compassionate Ireland.

For more information on Aware Mental Health Week or to access free support, therapy and education services, visit the Aware Mental Health Week web page here.

Survey

• The survey was conducted online by Amárach Research with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults between August and September 2025. Margin of error: +/- 3%.

*HSE National Service Plan 2024