Mental Health Resources
When we find life challenging, it can be hard to let others know we are struggling. We often feel shame for simply being human or having an illness we wish we didn’t have. Talking things through with someone whom we feel we can trust can be helpful. It reminds us that we are not alone in feeling life is too much sometimes.
Is there someone in your life you feel comfortable with enough to share how you feel?
If you would like to talk to a therapist, you might consider looking at the IACP website to find a therapist in your local area.
Also, check out My Mind as they provide low-cost counselling face-to-face and online.
I offer subsided rates on all my services in a effort to support you in being able to work with me. My coaching style is a therapeutic style. It gives space for all your needs and wants. To share and soothe your hurts from your journey so far. To acknowledge it and let it be heard so that you can heal and move forward lighter, refreshed and renewed. The goal is to make meaningful progress at a pace that is gentle and sustainable for your healing and growth.
Alternatively, reach out to one of theses FREE support lines:
Aware: Support Line that is open 7 days a week 10am to 10pm and the number is 1800 80 48 48. They also have email support but the response is slower.
Samaritans: Call anytime on 116 123 - Note: the number does not show up on your phone bill
Pieta House: Free 24/7 on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 (txt charges apply)
Pieta house helpline is made up of professionally trained therapists who can help you if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm, or have been bereaved by suicide. Calling Pieta house can lead to up to 12 weeks of free proactive suicide prevention counselling. - I have used their services and found it life saving and life changing.
SOSAD : 24/7 on 041 984 8754 have trained volunteers on call for emergencies for anyone who may be in distress and need professional help and support. If needed SOSAD offers ongoing support after your initial call.
Text About it 50808 : A free 24/7 text service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis.
Visit your GP and update them on how you are feeling.
If you experience five or more of these symptoms, lasting for two weeks or more, we suggest that you speak with your GP.
Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless or worthless, lonely, isolated
Low energy, feeling tired
Under or oversleeping, waking frequently during the night or having difficulty getting to sleep
Poor concentration and thinking slowed down
Loss of interest in hobbies, family or social life
Low self-esteem, and feelings of guilt
Aches and pains with no physical basis, e.g. chest, head or tummy pain associated with anxiety or stress
Loss of interest in living, thinking about death, suicidal thoughts
Sometimes symptoms of depression or anxiety may share similar symptoms to other conditions which is why speaking with your GP is really important.
HSE Self Referral - free counselling
It is possible to refer yourself :
Please note that waiting times are currently up to 2 years.
Free online Programmes
Life Skills Online with Aware
Based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), participants learn more about how we think and how this can influence our actions in helpful or unhelpful ways.
It consists of 8 modules which you can work through online in your own time, but you benefit from support from an Aware trained Supporter for the 1st 8 weeks so it is very useful to plan to complete one module a week for the first 8 weeks.
For 12 months after will have access to the programme and tools to review.
The programme was developed by Trinity College Dublin and SilverCloud Health.
Life Skills is also consistent with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the treatment of depression and anxiety. NICE is an organisation which provides independent, authoritative and evidence-based guidance on the most effective ways to prevent, diagnose and treat ill health.
I used this programme when I was struggling to get my mind to stop amplifying every situation and feeling. It was very helpful in getting my mind back to a more rational and balanced place.
WellnessWorkshop with SusicideorSurvive
This course is a mix of videos, pdf and worksheets. Some of the topics covered are :
Hope and Despair
Stress
Mindfulness
Change your thinking
Daily wellness plan
I have done the Wrap Programme, a subsidised support course for those of us who experience mental ill health. It is a 2-day self management wellness programme that allows you to explore your day to day mental health skills, strategies, triggers and action plans to support yourself and be best supported by your loved ones when hard times arrive.
If you have previously attempted suicide, are suicidal or have suicidal thoughts and/or feelings, you should check out their Eden Programme. This is a six-month programme of support.
What I love about SOS is that their work is done by peer support. This means that your facilitator is a professional mental health worker and someone with personal experience of mental health struggles.
Stress Control Course with HSE
The HSE was running in person 4 weeks of group stress control courses.
Upcoming Webinar talks
SOS has many FREE webinars on an array of topics like
To find out more about up coming talks and what topics are currently being covered click here.
Please note that I have not used all of these services and therefore can not personally recommend them all but they are all from reputable organisations. I will always mention the ones I have used personally and how I found them. If you use any of these resources I would love to hear your feedback on them.
I will expand and update this page when time allows. Please check back or follow me on Social media to be notified of new information and support.
