Over 22,500 people signed up to HSE’s My Mental Health Plan to care for mental wellbeing

The HSE’s ‘My Mental Health Plan’ has so far helped more than 22,500 people care for their mental wellbeing, and with the holiday season upon us, there is no better time to start your journey towards improved mental health.

The HSE's ‘My Mental Health Plan’ is an online interactive tool designed to help individuals reflect on their mental health needs and receive personalised advice. It is aimed at people aged 18 and older and can assist with issues like stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep problems.

Users answer four multiple-choice questions related to their mental health and receive tailored advice and self-care tips. The tool is part of a broader mental health literacy campaign and is accessible through the HSE website.

Fiona Ward, Director of Counselling with the HSE, emphasised the positive impact the ‘My Mental Health Plan’ has had for people across Ireland:

“The uptake of the ‘My Mental Health Plan’ is testament to the positive effect it has had for so many people across Ireland. Over 20,000 people have completed their plan to support their mental health since it was introduced in May 2024.

“The ‘My Mental Health Plan’ is a great resource that helps people reflect on their mental health needs and receive personalised advice, ranging from information and self-help resources to clear signposting to appropriate mental health supports.”

With the festive period in full swing, the HSE is once again highlighting the importance of minding your mental health this holiday season and is sharing helpful tips.

Ms Ward added:

“While the Christmas season is a joyful one for many, it can also bring mixed emotions, and for anyone who has lost a loved one, Christmas can be a particularly tough time. If you are feeling stressed or lonely over the Christmas period, remember you are not alone, a lot of people struggle during this time. Reach out to someone you trust – it really helps to share what you are feeling.”

The HSE shared helpful advice to help manage stress over the holiday period:

• plan ahead: If you have a stressful day or week coming up, make a to-do list keeping it realistic and achievable. Try to schedule downtime for yourself as well.
• prioritise sleep: Sleep helps you to think clearly and helps you do your best to try and deal with whatever the next day might bring. Seven hours of sleep is recommended for adults.
• practice breathing exercises: Improving your breathing in a purposeful way will help your mind and body especially when faced with difficult situations. Breathing exercises only take a few minutes.
• stretch your legs: Physical activity will help you sleep, relax and feel better. When you can, exercise outside, connecting with nature while exercising helps reduce stress, burn off anxious energy and feel calmer. 
• cut back on alcohol: The festive season often involves increased alcohol intake. People may also turn to alcohol when stressed but alcohol is a depressant and can lower your mood. Try alcohol-free and low alcohol alternatives where available.
• be present: Mindfulness can help if you are feeling overwhelmed. It can help to gently and purposefully move your attention onto something less stressful such as a sound, smell or sight.
• talk about it: It can help to talk to a friend or family member about how you feel. This might help you understand why you are feeling stressed and to get help with how to manage it.

For more stress-relieving tips, see yourmentalhealth.ie.

The HSE and partner organisations offer a range of mental health supports. These include phone and text 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.