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.
The HSE wants to highlight the message that mental health difficulties ‘can affect anyone’ at any stage of life
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.