Mental health supports for men in Ireland

Talking about how you’re feeling does not always come naturally, and for many people, it can be uncomfortable. This is a reality for many men in Ireland, who have been told they need to “just get on with it”, bottle things up or push their feelings away. This can be harmful to your mental health, and make it even more challenging to reach out for support when you need it. This is outdated thinking, and thankfully Ireland is becoming a country that actively encourages all people to share how they are feeling.

There are support services all around the country who are here to listen when you’re ready to talk. This can be a big step, but it’s one that will help you to move forward feeling better.

If you’re living in a rural area, it might be harder to find a support service near you. Find out how you can access mental health support in rural Ireland.

To find services in your area, visit SpunOut.ie/Help.

Taking the first step towards getting mental health support

Admitting that you need help can be a difficult thing to do. Remember, if you’re unsure whether or not to ask for help, the best thing to do is to just ask. A single conversation can make all the difference. When you’re ready, here are places you can go:

Talking to your GP about your mental health

Visiting your GP (doctor) can be a good place to start. Whether you’ve been feeling down, experiencing anxiety, or you just haven’t been yourself, talking to your doctor about it can help you to get the support you need. Your doctor will be able to tell you about counselling services in your area, give you a referral if you need a mental health assessment, and can prescribe you medication if they feel it would help you.

Find out more about speaking to your GP about your mental health.

Going for counselling

Going for counselling can be one of the best ways to work through the things you are feeling. A counsellor is there to listen to you in a safe and non-judgemental space, and to help you work through your emotions and find a way to move forward. You might feel nervous about the idea of going for counselling, or wonder if it will make a difference. Many people are nervous about the first meeting, but often the counsellor will be asking questions to get the conversation started and to make you feel at ease.

Find out more about going for counselling and how to find a counsellor.

Contacting a helpline

If you need immediate support, or you’re not ready to speak to someone in person about what’s been going on for you, contacting a helpline can be a way for you to get things off your chest.

Text About It

No matter what you’re feeling, our 24/7 text message support service is here to listen. This free, anonymous text line is here to give you immediate support, whether you just need to talk or you’re going through a crisis. Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to what you have to say and offer support.

Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to begin.

Samaritans

Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Call for free on 116 123.

Pieta

Pieta offer support to people who are engaging in self harm, are feeling suicidal, or who have lost someone to suicide.

Their 24 hour phone-line can connect you with a therapist at any time of the day or night, for free. Call 1800 247 247 to speak to a therapist, or text HELP to 51444.

Mental health services for men in Ireland

Many of the services that are here to support men in Ireland are open to everybody, regardless of gender. However, there are some groups who can offer specific support to men. Here are some organisations who can help:

Men’s Development Network

Men’s Development Network works with men on various levels including one-to-one, developmental, parenting, behaviour change group work, training, phone line support and awareness raising. The MND Counselling Programme aims to support men affected by, but not restricted to marginalisation and relationship issues which are generally focused around conflict and loss.

You can access counselling for free through the Men’s Development Network website or by calling Derek on 086 8590983 or John on 086 4586319. 

Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a youth mental health charity offering free counselling to young people aged 12-25. They have 14 centres across the country where you can get confidential support from a trained mental health professional.

Their services include:

• One-to-one counselling sessions
• Email support at [email protected] (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
• Online live chat and group chats

Turn2Me.ie

Turn2Me.ie is an online counselling platform, providing free counselling to people in Ireland. They offer counselling to young people aged 12-17, and to adults over 18. Anyone can access their counselling services, and they are there to help you about any problem you may have.

Their services include:

• individual counselling over video, email, a voice call, or by typing over chat
• Couples counselling
• Support groups online
• Peer support online

Find out more about Turn2Me.ie online counselling and how it works.

GROW Men’s Mental Health Support Group

GROW is a national community based organisation providing support and education around emotional and mental wellbeing. GROW operates a weekly Men’s Mental Health Support group online where members share their stories and learn new coping strategies and methods to help take back control over your own mental health and wellbeing.

Sign up for the free online weekly support group on GROW’s website.

Pieta

In addition to their helpline, Pieta also provides in-person services to people who are in crisis. Their services include free sessions with a therapist and bereavement support for those who lost someone to suicide.

Pieta House has 23 locations around Ireland. To find a centre near you, visit their website or call for free on 1800 247 247 to connect with a therapist, or text HELP to 51444.

Find a list of suicide support services around Ireland.

Men’s Aid

Men’s Aid offers support to men experiencing domestic violence and abuse, now or in the past. They provide specialist counselling, practical information and legal options. They will respect you and support you no matter what decision you make, whether you want to leave the relationship you’re in, or if you want to stay.

Their services include:

• National Confidential Helpline on 01 554 3811
• Counselling both face-to-face and over the phone
• Legal advice and practical support

Men’s Sheds

Men’s Sheds are a place for men to connect with each other and improve their own well being. A ‘men’s shed’ is a community based project, where men can come together to learn, share skills and make long-lasting friendships together. If you’re experiencing loneliness or isolation, joining your local Men’s Shed could help you reconnect with yourself and your community.

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association has a list of all the Shed locations across the country. 

Remember, if you need to talk, there are people out there to listen.

Feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to someone?

• Get anonymous support 24/7 with our text message support service
• Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
• Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to begin
• Find out more about our text message support service

If you are a customer of the 48 or An Post network or cannot get through using the ‘50808’ short code please text HELLO to 086 1800 280 (standard message rates may apply). Some smaller networks do not support short codes like ‘50808’.