Calls to a helpline established to support people with depression rose by 8 per cent last year, according to the charity Aware.
The helpline responded to 14,987 calls in 2010, compared to 13,923 the previous year, its annual report shows.
The charity said it dealt with an average of 1,248 calls each month last year. November was cited as the busiest month with 1,474 calls.
Aware said that its figures only include the number of calls answered rather than all calls made to the service.
The organisation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, said it is to expand the helpline service to cope with increased demand.
In addition to the rise in calls to the helpline, a number of support groups which have been discontinued are to re-open in order to assist those coping with depression and recently launched a number of online support groups.
Aware said its newly revamped website received more than 23,000 visits last year. The charity is also working to increase its presence on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
The group receives about 83 per cent of its funds from donations and fundraising.
Its accounts for last year show it raised over €900,000 last year, slightly down on the 2009. However, public donations declined significantly from €811,618 in 2009 to €296,598 in 2010.
"We are living in extraordinary times. There are just so many triggers for depression in our society. But support and help is available and accessible and Aware will continue to lead the way in 'being there' for people who seek help," said chief executive Kevin Smyth.
Aware was established in 1985 and has 50 support groups and over 400 people who volunteer for four or more hours each week.
