Minding Your Mental Health This Christmas

While Christmas is often a time of connection and celebration, it can also bring stress, loneliness, financial pressure, or emotional strain. The HSE is encouraging people to take simple steps to mind their wellbeing, to stay connected with those around them, and to know where to turn if they or someone they care about needs support.

HSE Mid West is also reminding people across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary of the wide range of mental health supports, services and tools available over the Christmas and New Year period.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs someone to talk to, help is at hand. A range of phone lines - many free and open 24/7 - as well as online mental health resources, are available throughout the Christmas period. A full list of mental health supports is available at yourmentalhealth.ie.

Some key phone numbers to keep at hand include:

• Shannondoc out-of-hours GP service (0818 123 500, 6pm–8am, Mon–Fri; 24 hours on weekends and public holidays)
• Samaritans provide 24/7 emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide (116 123)
• ISPCC Childline, 24/7 free helpline for children up to 18 years old
  (1800 66 66 66 and live chat at www.childline.ie)
• 50808 is a free 24/7 text service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support (text YMH to 50808 to begin)

Contact your GP or out-of-hours GP, or phone the ‘your mental health information line’ at 1800 111888 for information and resources. See yourmentalhealth.ie for a full list of resources on when to get help, and on organisations that provide mental health services and specialist care.

Solace Café - Community Crisis Support in Limerick

Solace Café is an out-of-hours, friendly, and supportive community-based adult crisis prevention and crisis support service, operating in the evenings and on weekends in a café style, non-clinical safe environment.

It offers social support, peer support, crisis support and recovery-based services. Regular opening hours are Thurs-Sun 6pm to midnight. Christmas closed on Thursday, 25 and Friday, 26 December and on Thursday, 1 January 2026.

Solace Café is suitable for people in distress, feeling isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed. Anyone at immediate risk of harm or requiring urgent medical help should call 999/112 or go to their nearest Emergency Department.

To book a one-hour appointment, contact us by:

• Phone: 061 446786
• Email: solacecafe@limerickmentalhealth.ie
• Or text: (085) 2612025

Small Steps That Make a Difference

We are encouraging people to take moments over the festive season to mind their mental health. Simple actions can support wellbeing, such as:

• Reaching out — phone or text someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with
• Treating everyone with kindness; and saying a kind word to yourself
• Reconnecting with something you used to enjoy
• Taking notice of your surroundings by connecting with your five senses — the scent of cinnamon or fresh oranges, festive sounds, winter air, or the warmth of food and drink

Balancing Stress: Free Online Support

The HSE is also highlighting Balancing Stress, a free online programme developed by psychologists and mental health professionals. The programme offers short video sessions—around 35 minutes each—that you can access any time and at your own pace.

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology, the programme helps people to understand stress, manage worry and anxiety, cope with low mood, support relationships, and build resilience. It also includes practical breathing and relaxation techniques.

The programme is available at hse.ie/balancingstress and may be useful to dip into during the holiday period.

Mick Collins, Resource Officer, Office for Suicide Prevention, HSE Mid West Mental Health Services said:“Christmas can be a joyful time, but it can also be challenging for many. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is always available. Whether you reach out to a helpline or are taking some smaller Winter wellness steps to look after your mental health, support is available. Please don’t be alone — help is at hand.”

For more information on mental health supports and tips for staying well, visit yourmentalhealth.ie or phone 1800 111 888.

For updates on social media, follow us on all channels @HSE Mid West