World Mental Health Day 2019 resources to help you start the right conversations today.

Today, Thursday, October 10, marks World Mental Health Day 2019. Being an immigrant can often have a negative impact on your mental health and so in our effort to help start conversations and break the silence and stigma around mental health today, we've compiled these resources and contact information for helplines, charities, and charities aiding with mental health issues in Ireland and the US.

World Mental Health Day resources

Ireland

Pieta House

A game-changer in Ireland’s conversation about suicide awareness and prevention, Pieta House provides a range of counseling services for people who are suicidal, engage in self-harm or who are bereaved by suicide. Pieta House also operates a national Freephone Helpline (1800 247 247). With 13 centers throughout Ireland, they’ve helped over 30,000 people in the past decade.  

Aware.ie

A leading resource for those experiencing (or supporting someone dealing with) Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Aware.ie offers a talk line available Monday through Sunday, 10 am – 10 pm, at 1800 80 48 48, an email service that offers replies within 24 hours, as well as support groups around Ireland and informational resources.

Samaritans

The Samaritans was established in Ireland in 1962. There are now 20 Samaritans branches across Ireland with 2,400 active volunteers. They offer a free and confidential hotline for anyone having suicidal thoughts or needing to talk in Ireland and the UK at 116 123. What’s more, text messages and online support will be available soon.

Childline.ie

Childline provides a 24-hour listening service for all children up to the age of 18. They seek to empower and support children facing any number of issues or questions, whether abuse, bullying, sexuality issues, depression or anxiety. To talk via phone, call 1800 66 66 66, or text “HELP,” “BULLY,” or “TALK” to 50101, or login via their website at childline.ie

Bodywhys.ie

Founded in 1995, Bodywhys is Ireland’s national voluntary organization supporting people affected by eating disorders. Their website offers information on recovery, support groups, and understanding eating disorders. Their helpline number is 1890 200 444, and online support is available by emailing alex@bodywhys.ie

Rape Crisis Help

Offers information about the professional support and the choices available to survivors of sexual violence, or those concerned about a friend, loved one, or themselves. They also have a 24-hour helpline on 1800 778888.

A Lust for Life

A Lust for Life was founded in 2015 with the aim of transforming and opening up Ireland’s conversation on mental health. The website contains a wealth of resources, from mental health and therapeutic exercises to first-hand accounts.

Mental Health Ireland

Mental Health Ireland is a national voluntary organization that was established in 1966 as the Mental Health Association of Ireland. MHI’s aim is to promote positive mental health and wellbeing to all individuals and communities in Ireland. They have 92 treatment centers across the country, and the website is host to a range of information and resources.

Northern Ireland

Lifeline

Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people in distress or despair. Phone: 0808 808 8000, or visit the website. 

Aware NI

The national depression charity for Northern Ireland, Aware is a Derry-born charity, now with two offices – one in Derry and a second office in Belfast. AWARE has an established network of 24 support groups in rural and urban areas across Northern Ireland, which are run by trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression and bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. Online support groups are also available.

Samaritans

In addition to in-person sessions and help, they offer a free and confidential phone hotline for anyone having suicidal thoughts or needing to talk in Ireland and the UK at 116 123.

Minding Your Head

Minding Your Head is a Northern Ireland-focused mental health resource for anyone struggling with their mental health or supporting someone who is. Find information, advice, further resources, and local help.

USA

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

A 24-hour toll-free, confidential suicide prevention and crisis hotline. Call 1-800-273-8255.

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text “START” to 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

Your Life Your Voice

A resource aimed at teens and young adults to help them deal a wide range of issues. Call 1-800-448-3000, Text “VOICE” to 20121, or chat via their website.

National Parent Helpline

Advocates offering emotional support and empowerment on the struggles of raising children and how to become an even better parent. Call 1-855- 4A PARENT or visit the website.  

Half of Us

Information and support for those struggling or helping someone struggling with a mental illness. Also, connections to further resources.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

National association working for the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety and mood disorders, OCD, and PTSD through support groups, education, practice, and research.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)

Information, resources, and support for sexual assault survivors and actions to take after an assault. Talk 24/7 by calling the hotline or using the online chat at https://hotline.rainn.org/online/terms-of-service.jsp

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

For over 70 years, The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) has been a valuable resource for millions of people struggling with alcoholism and addiction. Connects you to immediate help, support, and local resources.