In 2024, Mental Health Ireland conducted a nationwide survey to understand how people in Ireland seek support for their mental well-being. The results offer an insightful look into our social connections, where we turn for help, and how confident we feel about supporting others.
Who Do We Rely On for Support?
One of the key findings of the survey was that most people have a support network to turn to in times of need:
- 25% of respondents have six or more people they can rely on.
- 50% have three to five people they can turn to.
- 22% of respondents have poor social support, with 3% reporting that they have no one to turn to.
These figures highlight the importance of strong social connections and ensuring that everyone has someone they can lean on.
Seeking Help: Who Do We Go To?
When facing everyday concerns, most people turn to family first, followed by friends and their GP or doctor. However, when dealing with anxiety or depression, professional mental health services play a bigger role. The survey found that:
- Family remains a key source of support.
- GPs and mental health professionals are sought out more when it comes to anxiety or depression.
- Phone helplines are still vital for those in serious distress.
Interestingly, those with only one or two close connections were less likely to seek professional help, suggesting that a strong support network encourages people to reach out when needed.
How Comfortable Are We Talking About Mental Health?
The survey also looked at how comfortable people feel having conversations about mental health:
- Over half of respondents said they feel comfortable talking to a friend about a concern.
- However, only one in five feel very confident about how to support someone in distress.
- Men were significantly less confident than women in offering support.
This highlights a gap—not just in having conversations, but in knowing how to help. Mental Health Ireland’s Hello, How Are You? campaign aims to bridge this gap by providing conversation cards and resources to boost confidence in these discussions.
What Would Help?
When asked what would make people feel more confident in supporting a friend, the top responses were:
- Access to general information about mental health.
- Practical tips on how to support others.
- More training and resources to increase awareness.
These findings suggest that education and accessible resources can empower more people to offer meaningful support.
While it’s reassuring to see that most people in Ireland have a strong support network, there’s still work to do in ensuring that everyone has someone to turn to. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and providing the right tools for support can make a big difference.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to check in with a friend or a loved one, Mental Health Ireland’s Hello, How Are You? campaign is a great place to start. Let’s keep the conversation going and support one another.