Christmas 'can be a difficult time where our mental health is concerned', and help is available

Minister for mental health, Mary Butler, has reminded anyone struggling with their mental health that support is available this Christmas.

“Everyone deserves to celebrate and enjoy Christmas as much as they can, but we know that it can be a difficult time where our mental health is concerned," Ms Butler said.

"There are lots of pressures and demands on us at Christmas, and it can feel really overwhelming. There are pressures and a lot expected of us, and it can be a painful time for those dealing with grief and loss.

“That is why I really want people to know that you are not alone this Christmas, and I urge anyone feeling the pressure or experiencing mental health difficulties at Christmas to reach out for support when you need to."

She added: “The HSE has excellent information online which can signpost you to the many different organisations we work in partnership with, and there are lots of practical tools designed to support you. If you need them, there are also crisis supports available every day.

“I want to pay particular tribute to all of the mental health staff and volunteers in organisations like Samaritans, who will take time away from their own family and friends to be there for others. It’s a wonderful expression of humanity and compassion and I want to thank them so much for their generosity.” 

The HSE and partner organisations offer a range of mental health supports, with many available throughout the festive period. These include text and phone supports, counselling in person and online, stress control courses, breathing exercises and much more.

For people seeking information on support options please visit yourmentalhealth.ie or call the HSE Your Mental Health information line on freephone 1800 111 888, any time day or night.

Digital mental health supports in Ireland are growing, with more and more people engaging with them each year. These supports are tailored for each person’s experience, meeting them where they are at and available at all hours.

Supports include the navigator tool for young people, and My Mental Health Plan can assist with improving anxiety, low mood or sleep problems, and out of hours crisis supports can be accessed via Samaritans (call 116 123) or Text About It (text Hello to 50808).

Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for people with an eating disorder and their families, for many reasons.

Bodywhys, the eating disorder association, has developed helpful information on how to manage an eating disorder at Christmas, including detailed guidance and advice for anyone with an eating disorder, and a guide for family and those caring for someone.

For anyone currently supported by an eating disorder team, the HSE have confirmed that all teams will make arrangements with people using these services and their families for days when services are closed. In addition the HSE Self Care app will have additional guidance on how to manage during Christmas.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.