Over the past year or so, there has been outcry over the state of mental health in the country, and a new study has shed light on just how concerning an issue it is right now in the Republic of Ireland.

 

According to the ‘Well Before Birth’ study, carried out by a team of researchers at Trinity College, pregnant Irish women have the highest rate of depression in comparison to the other countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

 

The OECD is a policy forum that consists of 35 member countries.

 

 

According to the study, one-in-six (16 per cent) pregnant Irish women are ‘at probable risk of depression’ during their pregnancy; this is in comparison with an average rate of 10 – 15 per cent in the 34 other countries studied.

 

The Irish statistic was based on data collected from just over 5,000 women from Dublin, Limerick, Mayo and Cork.

 

As concerning as this statistic may be, even more alarming is the revelation that these women tend not to recognise that they are depressed, and are reluctant to seek medical help.

 

 

Study authors are now calling on the Government to take the findings into account when reviewing the National Maternity Strategy.

 

Are you surprised by the findings?

 

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