Over 22,500 People Helped by HSE's Mental Health Plan as Holiday Season Arrives

The HSE's online 'My Mental Health Plan' has helped more than 22,500 people care for their mental wellbeing since its launch, with over 20,000 completing personalised plans to support their mental health during what can be a challenging time of year.

The free interactive tool, designed for people aged 18 and older, helps users reflect on their mental health needs by answering four multiple-choice questions. Users receive tailored advice and self-care tips to address issues including stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep problems.

Launched in May 2024, the tool is part of a broader mental health literacy campaign and is accessible through the HSE website.

Fiona Ward, Director of Counselling with the HSE, emphasised the positive impact of the service:

"The uptake of the 'My Mental Health Plan' is testament to the positive effect it has had for so many people across Ireland. Over 20,000 people have completed their plan to support their mental health since it was introduced in May 2024.

The 'My Mental Health Plan' is a great resource that helps people reflect on their mental health needs and receive personalised advice, ranging from information and self-help resources to clear signposting to appropriate mental health supports."

With Christmas upon us, the HSE has highlighted the importance of managing mental wellbeing during the festive period, acknowledging that whilst joyful for many, the season can bring mixed emotions.

Ms Ward added:

"While the Christmas season is a joyful one for many, it can also bring mixed emotions, and for anyone who has lost a loved one, Christmas can be a particularly tough time. If you are feeling stressed or lonely over the Christmas period, remember you are not alone, a lot of people struggle during this time. Reach out to someone you trust: it really helps to share what you are feeling."

The HSE has shared practical advice to help manage stress during the holiday period, including planning ahead with realistic to-do lists, prioritising seven hours of sleep, practising breathing exercises, staying physically active outdoors where possible, and being mindful about alcohol consumption.

The organisation recommends talking to friends or family members about feelings, practising mindfulness when overwhelmed, and cutting back on alcohol as it is a depressant that can lower mood.

The HSE and partner organisations offer extensive mental health supports including phone and text services, counselling both in person and online, stress control courses, and breathing exercises. Information on all support options is available at yourmentalhealth.ie or by calling the HSE Your Mental Health information line on freephone 1800 111 888, available any time day or night.

Additional support services include Samaritans (116 123), Pieta (1800 247 247), both available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, SpunOut's Text About It service (text Hello to 50808), and the Irish Hospice Bereavement Support Line in partnership with the HSE (1800 80 70 77, available 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday).

The My Mental Health Plan is not an assessment of mental health and cannot help with urgent or long-term mental health issues. People seeking such support are advised to contact the above services or speak to their GP.