The Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, marked World Mental Health Day 2023 by reminding people to mind their mental health and to seek help if needed.
In highlighting World Mental Health Day, Minister Butler said, “the key message I would like to deliver today is to remind people, of whatever age, to be conscious of the importance of protecting your mental health. Supports are there if needed. If anyone has mental health difficulties around anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or otherwise, I urge them to seek help without delay. There are a wide range of mental health supports available in Ireland, through the HSE (Health Service Executive) or the many agencies providing high-quality care on its behalf.”
The best way to find out what supports would best suit someone is through their GP, or via information sign-posting such as:
- Online at YourMentalHealth.ie which provides information and signposting on all mental health supports and services that are available nationally and locally provided by the HSE and its funded partners
- Freephone Your Mental Health Information Line is available 24 hours to find supports and services (1800 111 888)
- Text HELLO to 50808. The service provides emotional support 24 hours a day to anyone experiencing a crisis through engagement in a text message ‘conversation’ with a trained and supervised volunteer
Sustained strategic improvement of mental health services continue through the implementation of Ireland’s mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and the suicide reduction policy, Connecting for Life.
Record investment in mental health services over the past number of years has allowed for the development of new models of care, including for crisis resolution, dual diagnosis, and for new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) hubs.
For the first time in the history of the State, a dedicated National Office for Youth Mental Health in the HSE is in place. A new HSE Assistant National Director and a new National Clinical Lead for Youth Mental Health recently took up post.
The opening of the new National Forensic Mental Health Service at Portrane, and the expansion of specialist mental health teams for eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, and dual diagnosis also exemplify the on-going commitment to service provision and improvement in mental health services.
Reflecting on the importance of people protecting their mental health, Minister Butler added, “often people find it difficult to have conversations about their feelings and it is important that we break down that stigma so that they can feel more comfortable seeking support. Anyone can experience mental health challenges at any time during their lives, and recovery can and is possible. If any person is feeling pressure, I encourage them to reach out for help.”
