HSE urges those in Cork struggling over festive period to avail of free 24/7 mental health support

HSE Southwest is reminding people across Cork who may be struggling of the free 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support available over the Christmas and New Year period.

HSE Southwest have highlighted that the festive period can bring extra stresses, whether they are emotional, financial, or personal, with loneliness also a challenge for people at this particular time of the year.

Martin Ryan, the HSE resource officer for suicide prevention, has urged those who may be struggling not to suffer alone.

“This might be a challenging time and might bring up difficult emotions. We want to remind people that there is always someone available to talk to you, and you don’t have to feel alone.

“There are free services, open 24/7, with people ready to provide support, point you in the right direction or simply to listen.

“It takes strength to pick up the phone and ask for help but remember that there is support available.” 

The mental health and wellbeing support services available include:

• The Samaritans on 116 123 – see www.samaritans.ie 
• Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 – see www.pieta.ie 
• Childline on 1800 666 666 – see www.childline.ie 
• The Spunout “Text About it service” is available by texting ‘hello’ to 50808.

The HSE www.yourmentalhealth.ie website has tips and can signpost people to the various supports available.

Also, HSE Southwest urge that anyone in mental health distress can contact their own GP during surgery hours or SouthDoc out of hours on 0818 355 999. 

If someone is in immediate risk, contact the emergency services by calling 999 or 112.

Meanwhile, HSE Southwest resource officers for suicide prevention are also distributing posters and wallet cards with the details of support services available.