New figures released by St Patricks Mental Health Services show that lack of understanding of mental health problems is still fueling stigma.

41 per cent of those surveyed believe that getting treatment for mental health issue is a sign of personal failure.

While 60 per cent would discriminate against hiring someone with a history of mental illness on the grounds they may be unreliable.

Paul Gilligan from St Patricks says we need to challenge the stigma:This comes on the back of Michael D Higgins' comments yesterday urging anyone under pressure to speak out, saying everyone has a role to play in addressing the issue.

Meanwhile prevention and bereavement charity Console is calling for more training, targets and commitments to reduce suicide rates.

President Higgins, speaking at the Console annual conference, said suicide do not eliminate the pain people are suffering.