Women are twice as likely to be affected by depression and anxiety than men, according to a new report by the National Women's Council of Ireland.
The study also shows that Ireland has the highest rate for child suicide of girls in Europe.
The NWCI said they have seen a worrying trend, where women in some of the poorest parts of Dublin are taking their own lives in the same numbers as men for the first time.
The report 'Out of Silence, women's mental health in their own words' is based on conversations with over 100 women from across Ireland and documents for the first time the specific mental health needs of women and girls in Ireland.
The NWCI said it highlights the necessary steps needed to prioritise prevention and provision of services going forward.
The launch of the report today coincided with the first meeting of the Women's Mental Health Network, a new collaboration between NWCI and Saint Patrick's Mental Health Services.
Women’s Health Coordinator at the NWCI, Dr Cliona Loughnane said women suffer from intersecting demands and feel the need to be all things to all people, which can often mean they fail to look after their own well being.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Seán O'Rourke, Dr Loughnane said these can include pressure to look good, to achieve in the workplace and most women still remain the main carer in the home.
Dr Loughnane said the rates of self harm are 24% higher for Irish women than men.
