14 Apr 2020

Mental Health Supports - Getting Better Together

Alot of people are feeling worried, vulnerable and anxious at this difficult time and isolation can further exacerbate symptoms. You’re not alone though, If you’re concerned about your own mental health or the mental health of someone you care about, help is available.

For example here’s a list of supports; 

Turn2Me

A free online counselling service and online support groups for people over 18. One to One on-line sessions can cost up to €35 - €50. If you are resident in Ireland, your sessions may be FREE as the HSE provides some funding for free sessions. Click HERE for more information.

AA Meetings On Line

Alcoholics Anonymous are scheduling on-line meetings for people who have a desire to stop drinking but need peer support. Find out more and register HERE

MyMind

This is another online counselling service and at the moment they have discounted rates of €20 available Mon - Fri, 9am – 5pm. Visit HERE or email hq@mymind.org

 

Jigsaw

Provides mental health information and a Q&A service for young people aged between 12 – 25 years of age, their parents and guardians, and those who work with young people. Jigsaw also offer an online group chat service. Visit www.jigsawonline.ie

 

Shine

Shine are currently providing remote support and an outreach service to people experiencing mental health problems and their families and supporters by phone and email.

Visit HERE or email phil@shine.ie

 

Suicide or Survive (SOS)

A series of free online wellness workshops and programmes are available from SOS. The workshops are built from listening to other people’s experiences and what has helped them when their mental health has taken a dip. Visit HERE for more information

 

Stress Control Online Programme

HSE Health and Wellbeing are offering a free Stress Control programme online via Stresscontrol.org which started from the 13th April. Stress Control is an evidence-based programme that teaches you practical skills to deal with stress.

The six 90 minutes sessions will cover;

  • What is stress?
  • Controlling your body
  • Controlling your thoughts
  • Controlling your actions
  • Controlling panicky feelings and getting a good night’s sleep
  • Boosting your wellbeing tying it all together controlling your future

Click HERE for more information

Samaritans

The Samaritans as always are offering emotional support to anyone in distress or struggling to cope. They have a Freephone Number; 116 123 (call any time, day or night) or email jo@samaritans.ie

 

Pieta House

Pieta House provides telephone and text-based support counselling for people who are suicidal or engaging in self-harm. They are supporting people and communities in crisis - now more than ever. They offer free therapy. Freephone 1800 247 247 (any time, day or night), Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

 

Childline (ISPCC)

Childline is open every day and is for all children and young people up to the age of 18 in Ireland. Children can talk with Childline in confidence, about anything that might be on their mind. They're there to listen and help children to figure out the best solution for them. They can be contacted for free at any time of the day or night by calling 1800 66 66 66.

Children can also chat with them live on their website, or, if they prefer to text, they can contact Childline by sending a text to 50101 or CLICK HERE

 

BeLonG To Text Support

BeLonG To provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland. Text LGBTI+ to 086 1800 280 to chat in confidence with a trained crisis volunteer (anytime day or night, standard SMS rates may apply). While face to face services are closed, information, referral and advice will be provided digitally, by email, SMS, phone call or video conference. Visit HERE

 

Aware Support Line

Aware provide information and support to anyone over 18 about issues relating to their own mood or the mood of a friend or family member who experiences depression or bipolar. Freephone Support Line 1800 80 48 48 (from 10am to 10pm every day)

A confidential messaging support service is available by texting TALK to 086 1800 280 (any time day or night, standard SMS rates may apply).

 

LGBT Ireland

LGBT offer online support and through the helpline for LGBT+ people across Ireland. Telephone 1890 929 539 (open every day). For the Gender Identity Family Support Line telephone 01 907 3707. You can also email info@lgbt.ie for support or information while face to face services are closed and an instant messaging service is available 7 days a week, from 6:30pm to 10pm Mon – Thur, from 4pm to 10pm Fridays, and from 4pm to 6pm on Sat & Sun. Visit HERE

 

Mental Health Ireland

Information and support for people who experience mental health difficulties is available on Information line (01) 284 1166 (from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) Visit the website HERE or email info@mentalhealthireland.ie for more information

 

HSE Mental Health Recovery Colleges

Recovery education colleges and services across the country are using various platforms to provide mental health recovery education. Timetables have been developed to support people through recovery education. To visit their Website CLICK HERE

 

GROW Mental Health Recovery

Grow are providing a new six-week guide on coping with COVID19, consisting of podcasts, practical resources and information. Visit www.grow.ie or email info@grow.ie for more information. They also have an Information Line on 1890 474 474

 

ADHD Ireland

ADHD Ireland provided support, information and resources for young people and adults with ADHD and their carers and families. Telephone 01 874 8349 (from 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday). Visit HERE or email info@adhdireland.ie for more information.

 

Exchange House Ireland National Traveller Mental Health Service

Telephone and online services and supports are available while face to face and group services have stopped, Call 01 8721094 (then press 1) for support, help or advice (from 9am to 5pm every day). Visit HERE for more information

 

Bodywhys

BodywhysConnect online support groups for adults (19+) with eating disorders are operating as normal at the moment. YouthConnect online support groups for young people aged 13-18 are also operating as normal. Helpline 01 2107906 (Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm). Visit their website HERE or email alex@bodywhys.ie for more information

 

Union of Students in Ireland

Union of Students in Ireland have some useful tips and resources which can be used to keep your mind healthy - Visit www.usi.ie for more information

 

Practitioner Health

Confidential support and help for doctors, dentists and pharmacists is available by calling 01 2970396, emailing confidential@practitionerhealth.ie or visiting their website HERE for more information.

 

Supports for older people;

Alone

Alone provide a COVID-19 support line for older people. Call 0818 222 024 (from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week) or visit www.alone.ie

 

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Practical information and emotional support services are available on Freephone 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm) or email helpline@alzheimer.ie. The Dementia Resource Hub provides sign-posting to web-based reliable information and on-line resources for people with dementia, families and carers. Visit www.alzheimer.ie or www.understandtogether.ie for more information.

Seniorline

A confidential listening service is available for older people provided by trained older volunteers. Call 1800 804 591 (lines are open every day from 10am to 10pm) or visit www.thirdageireland.ie/seniorline for more information.

Age Friendly Ireland

Age Friendly Ireland have compiled a list of all Local Authority Community Response Forums, and their contact helpline numbers - these are available to support vulnerable members of communities affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Visit Age Friendly Ireland for more information and access their daily newsletter HERE

 

Mobile apps to support your mental health

 

Mindshift (by Anxiety Canada)

Mindshift CBT is a user-friendly self-help tool based on proven scientific strategies. It helps users to engage in healthy thinking, encouraging them to check in each day to track their anxiety and work with tools in the app. It's available now on the App Store or on Google Play

 

Clear Fear

Clear Fear is an app that was developed for teenage mental health charity Stem4. It uses the evidence-based treatment CBT to focus on learning to reduce the physical responses to threat by learning to breathe, relax and be mindful as well as changing thoughts and behaviours and releasing emotions. You can personalise the app if you so wish and you will be able to track your progress and notice change. Get it in the App Store or on Google Play

 

Headspace

Headspace is a well-known mobile app that teaches meditation and easy to use mindfulness skills. Map your journey, track your progress, and reap rewards in your overall health and wellbeing. You can even ‘buddy up’ with friends and motivate each other along the way.

Get it in the App Store or on Google Play

 

More online supports

The YourMentalHealth.ie website provides information and signposting on all mental health supports and services that are available nationally & locally provided by the HSE and its funded partners. You can also call the freephone YourMentalHealth Information Line to find supports and services 1800 111 888 (any time, day or night).

Here's some Tips for Managing Anxiety and Stress to Protect our Mental Health During the Pandemic

It is totally appropriate to recognize the signs of anxiety in oneself at a time like this. It's the feeling of being out of control over a situation that makes us feel so scared. But we are all, globally, in the same boat. No one is immune from this trigger. If we recognize that we are not alone and that everyone is feeling tense right now, that will go a long way towards achieving some equilibrium. So, take some deep cleansing breaths and embrace these tips for managing anxiety during the coronavirus outbreak:

Get Prepared. Make a list of items to purchase this week, the things that will keep you and your family functioning during the uncertain weeks ahead. Canned foods, frozen foods and vegetables, shelf-stable milks such as almond milk or oat milk, cereals, oats, nuts, bottled water and don’t forget the comfort foods—snacks and treats. After your fridge and pantry are stocked you will feel less anxious about potentially being homebound. Planning your shop in advance will cut down on the number of times you need to visit busy Supermarkets and reduce the time spent queuing.

Medication. If you are on any prescription drugs it is wise to get at least a two-month supply now - talk to your Chemist they will advise you. Don’t forget to grab some over-the-counter basics, like Paracetamol etc.

Supplements. Begin boosting your immune system now by supplementing your diet with vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc. In addition, it will be wise to grab some B-complex vitamins.

Pet food. If you have pets, remember to plan ahead for them as well. Stock up on food and treats for a two-month period. Knowing your pet will be well fed will reduce stress.

Entertainment Plans. If it happens that we are to remain in our homes for a prolonged period of a few weeks, why not get a couple of new board games or books. Make a list of all the shows on Netflix you have been wanting to see but never had the time. Unleash your creative juices and make jewellery, draw, paint, or make crafts—at least that will feel productive.

Avoid News Binging. While in fear mode it is completely natural to want to know the updates on the virus. However, watching wall-to-wall news will likely increase feelings of distress and anxiety. Seeing newscasts about the number of cases in not only our country but across the world can become a heavy stress burden. Instead, grab an update in the morning and a wrap-up in the evening, but fill that in-between time with productive or recreational activities.

Exercise. Within protocol get outdoors, take a hearty walk, a bike ride, or run. This will expose you to vitamin D through sunshine, which can help improve mood, as well as provide mental health benefits. Indoor exercise activities can be achieved through yoga or workout routines posted on YouTube. The videos offer a variety of toning, stretching and movements that can keep you in shape during a quarantine.

Relaxation Techniques. Another way to increase relaxation and improve overall wellbeing is through practicing mindfulness techniques, deep-breathing exercises, or guided meditation. Mindfulness is the purposeful practice of focusing on the present moment. It helps you shift your wandering stressful thoughts back to the here and now, where you address the emotions, how you feel physically, and all sensations and accept them without judgment. Deep breathing exercises are very effective in quickly reducing stress and lowering blood pressure when fears about the coronavirus take a grip. Guided meditation apps are available for free and can transport you to a calm, peaceful place through mental imaging.

Have Hope. We are facing some challenges, that is certain, but we need to trust in our own abilities to navigate trials, lean on our faith, and have hope.

More information regarding Mental Health Issues can be found on the "Getting through COVID-19 Together" website HERE

For financial supports check HERE

For information on Business Supports during Covid-19 check HERE 

Stay Safe and please share this information.

Thank you

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