A new report from Depaul and Mental Health Reform highlights the severe mental health crisis among Ireland’s homeless population. While 1 in 5 Irish individuals experience mental health challenges, this figure dramatically increases for those experiencing homelessness. The report reveals that at least 1 in 2 residents in Depaul services are struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts – a crisis hidden in plain sight.
The report’s findings are based on Depaul’s administrative data of 4,504 individuals and self-reported experiences, but given the barriers to self-reporting and the limitations of data collection, the actual figure is likely even higher.
Ireland ranks 3rd highest in Europe for mental health difficulties, with 19% of the population affected (European Commission, 2019). However, within Depaul’s services, 36.9% of residents (2018-2023) reported enduring mental health difficulties, requiring intervention – nearly twice the national rate.
Key Findings of the Report include:
The system is failing the most vulnerable. Read the full report to understand the depth of this crisis.
