At least one in five people believe that those with mental health problems are of below average intelligence, while almost one in three would not willingly accept a person with mental health issues as a close friend, a new survey has shown.

Some 500 people nationwide took part in the survey which was carried out on behalf of St Patrick's University Hospital, Ireland's largest independent mental health service provider.

According to the CEO of St Patrick's, Paul Gilligan, despite the fact that mental health problems will affect one in four people at some stage of their lives, stigma is still a major issue.

"Each year we continue to be disturbed by the level of stigma that still exists towards those with a mental health difficulty. We need to challenge this stigma and prioritise mental health in the same way we do our physical health. It has been said that physical health is easier to understand because we know that healing is possible," he explained.

The survey confirmed that mental health problems are widespread, with at least one in three people stating that a close member of their family had been treated and just over half stating that a close friend had been treated.

Almost half also said that they had worked with somebody with mental health or emotional problems.

Despite this, 60% of respondents admitted that they would discriminate against hiring someone with a history of mental health problems on the grounds that they may be unreliable.

Furthermore, four in 10 people felt that if they had to undergo treatment for a mental health problem, this would be a sign of personal failure.

"There is a need to promote mental health education in Irish schools and workplaces to ensure that everyone knows that recovery is possible, and those that need help don't wait to get that help," Mr Gilligan added.

For more information on depression, see our Depression Clinic here