NI mental health risk

One in four people in Northern Ireland will develop mental health problems

One in four people in Northern Ireland will develop mental health problems in their lifetime, according to a new study.

Research by the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health, published on Tuesday, has found that the figure is higher than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

The study has found that between 30% to 40% of all sickness absence is due to some form of mental or emotional disturbance.

Alan Ferguson, chief executive of the association, has called for improved services for people with mental problems.

"We have to look at what we are doing in the workplace, we have to look at what we are doing in schools," Mr Ferguson said.

"We have to make sure that people receive interventions and treatments earlier.

"Then, down the line, develop coping strategies with them, so that people who have problems do not progress until they get into a crisis."

Psychotherapist Graham Logan said the stigma surrounding mental illness needed to be addressed.

"This affects everybody in society and I think that the stigmatisation needs to be looked at and reduced because all of us are vulnerable. Given a set of stresses, anyone can feel depressed or suicidal," Mr Logan said.

The research was carried out in response to a wide ranging review by the Department of Health which is examining ways to improve mental health services in Northern Ireland.