The HSE is encouraging people to reach out for support “if they are finding things difficult”, as it marks World Mental Health Day.
So far this year around 6,000 people have availed of the HSE’s free online therapy service.
Over 40,000 people have accessed the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programmes since the service was launched in 2021.
“Looking after our mental health is something we can all do, just as we look after our physical health,” advises Brian Higgins, HSE Assistant National Director of Adult Mental Health.
“We want people to know that there are many free supports available right now and that you do not have to face things alone.”
He said a conversation, a phone call or simply letting someone know how and where they can get help could make an important difference.
Constant demand
Aware, the organisation which supports people affected by anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, has said that demand for support is constant.
There have been more than 3,400 visits to Aware’s ‘Support and Self Care’ groups so far this year, while its support line has received over 15,000 calls up until the end of September.
The charity’s latest national survey, published this week, also indicates that the prevalence of mental health difficulties has risen since 2024.
It found that financial pressures emerged as the largest factor impacting well-being.
Money (54%) appears to be the leading factor negatively affecting mental health among those surveyed.
Of those who experienced depression or anxiety, just one-in-six or 16% indicated that they attended regular therapy.
Medical experts and practitioners say that most people can receive effective treatment for mental health difficulties at community and primary care level and that early intervention can make a huge difference.
While some choose in-person therapy or counselling, there is an increase in the numbers accessing digital support services.
There are also targeted measures in place to support men who are most at risk of suicide.
A Men’s Mental Health initiative was launched just over a year ago, focused on increasing the uptake of counselling supports amongst men in the age group most at risk – those aged between 30-50.
It includes free counselling with qualified mental health professionals online or face-to-face.
The HSE said since the launch of the initiative, over 8,200 men have made contact and 24,000 counselling sessions have been delivered.
The HSE wants to highlight the message that mental health difficulties “can affect anyone” at any stage of life.
The website Yourmentalhealth.ie provides information on a range of mental health supports and services that are available across Ireland and online.
‘There are more than two emotions’
David O’Connor, a fitness coach and father from North Dublin, knows the feelings associated with depression. It has impacted him from a young age.
“It took a long time to realise when you are feeling that low, that insecure and that insignificant for such a long period of time, it is not right,” he said.
He believes his depression stemmed from a lack of confidence and belonging. “When things weren’t going well for me I was really harsh on myself and it was quite psychological in terms of beating myself up and that went on for quite a long time, over a period of 10 years.”
David O’Connor says it took ‘a lot of effort’ to commit to professional help
He remembers going through this struggle at “a very different time in Ireland” where it was not generally brought up in discussion with family and friends. “There was a bit of shame and stigma and probably the fear that you must be appreciative of what you have,” he said.
He described the ripple effect of deeper feelings manifesting and knowing he had to do something. “The self-hate, disregard for yourself and over a long period of time, I needed to do something about this, not only to maintain a quality of life but to build a quality of life.
“I remember sitting at the computer looking up symptoms of depression and anxiety and almost ticking off a list but then kind of disregarding it. I suppose a little bit of denial, convincing myself, you are young, you have a great life, just get on with it. But I just found myself back in that place very quickly.”
After opening up to a friend eventually about how he was feeling, he then sought therapy which proved integral. He acknowledges that it took “a lot of effort” to commit to this professional help but that it has been one of the important steps in helping to improve his wellbeing.
“It can be intense but certainly it can be relaxed as well. It is not all pulling emotional plasters. It can be a safe space, a private space for an hour. For me, I found having that once a week was very helpful.”
Assessment of mental health issues often involves discussions around what has happened in a person’s life. David was bullied in school but recalls how he never knew how to handle it.
“I imagine that 30 years ago there were probably kids in my class that got it as bad as me or even worse. People deal with that in different ways but I think that got in on me in terms of my confidence and belief in myself.”
Now as a father of two children, he wants to show them the importance of opening up about mental health, the vulnerabilities, and being honest with themselves.
“There are more than two emotions. It is not just happy and sad, you can experience quite a lot throughout the day, particularly children going through school. You want to teach them about expressing those emotions, as I think we might have missed out on that growing up.”
He is also eager to show the importance of doing simple things on a daily basis to stay well.
“Getting out for a walk, getting out for run, environment is key,” he said. For him “tapping” into hobbies like sport helped, as well as relying on mentors and role models in his life.
“I am very lucky as I have always had a group of friends I could rely on,” David said.
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Aware
Helpline: 1800-80-48-48