- One in two people in Ireland have experienced mental health difficulties
- Visit yourmentalhealth.ie
Today (10th October 2022) the HSE marks World Mental Health Day with the launch of a new national campaign highlighting the common signs of mental health difficulties, ongoing stress, low mood, anxiety or sleep problems that many people experience. The campaign encourages people to explore the range of information and resources available on yourmentahealth.ie.The campaign is responding to HSE research which found that one in two adults in Ireland have experienced difficulties with their mental health. For some, these difficulties include ongoing stress, low mood, anxiety or problems with sleep. However, research has shown that often when someone is not feeling themselves and this feeling persists, it can be hard to recognise or they might accept it as part of their normal daily life. Ongoing stress, low mood anxiety or sleep problems can all seem like unconnected difficulties but they can be connected to our mental health and there are many supports available that can help. According to Mark Smyth Senior Clinical Psychologist with the HSE:
At times we can all feel anxious, stressed or struggle with sleep and many think the best thing to do is pretend it’s not there and try and power on through. However, when we feel like this on an ongoing basis, it is more likely to be our mind and body’s way of reminding us that we need to pay attention to, and look after our mental health. The earlier we recognise how we’re feeling, the better equipped we can be to try and manage it before it feels overwhelming.
Don’t underestimate the power of talking to someone you trust, or seeking help – it works. Whether it’s mindfulness, taking part in a stress control programme, signing up for online cognitive behavioural therapy or trying online counselling, there are supports available that will suit you and how you’re feeling.
As well as personal support, research has shown people are interested in online, mobile apps and text supports, which are available or signposted on the website yourmentalhealth.ie. The website has recently been redeveloped to better meet the needs of people searching for self-help and other supports.
For example:
- ‘Stress control’ a HSE sponsored online programme can help you to recognise stress, how it is affecting you and more importantly help you overcome these feelings.
- ‘Minding your wellbeing’ videos can help you develop a positive outlook using mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience.
- Online cognitive behavioural therapy can help you to change specific negative thoughts and behaviours that are causing current and ongoing stress and anxiety.
Yvonne O’Neill, National Director – HSE Community Operations added:
We are encouraging people to reach out and find support that can help. The HSE partners with many different mental health organisations to provide supports to people of all ages with different needs. More recently the HSE and its partners have made available a number of new digital health options including innovative online, text and phone supports. The redevelopment of yourmentalhealth.ie will make it easier for people to access these supports than before.
Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler TD said:
I am really pleased that the HSE is launching a campaign to help improve our mental wellbeing. It isn’t always easy but recognising persistent stress, sleep problems and anxiety in ourselves, a friend or a loved one will help us to take action. Knowing that resources are available will hopefully make people more comfortable to reach out for support.
For mental health resources and support please visit yourmentalhealth.ie
Notes to editor
The new campaign and redeveloped website are in keeping with the actions in Sharing the Vision, A Mental Health Policy for Everyone and the national suicide prevention strategy, Connecting for Life.
¹Fieldwork for research was carried out online in 2021 among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+ living in the Republic of Ireland. Sample was quota controlled to ensure it is representative by gender, age, region & social class based on latest CSO census data and population estimates.
For people needing urgent assistance with their mental health:
If you, or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, go to or call the emergency department of your local general hospital. You can also contact emergency services on 112 or 999 anytime, day or night.
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