When a loved one has a mental health difficulty or is going through a hard time, it can be worrying for everyone. But it is important to look after your own mental health and wellbeing too.
Talk to someone
Have someone to talk to about the things that worry you. Supporting someone with a mental health difficulty can be confusing and challenging. It’s OK to ask for help.
You could reach out to family or friends. If you talk to them about how you feel, people are often willing to help.
Talking to someone about what's troubling you
Taking care of your own mental health
If you are very close to the person or living with them, it's important to mind your own mental health.
Connect with your friends and spend time outside of the home if you are living with the person who is experiencing the mental health difficulty.
If the situation has a negative impact on your own wellbeing, you may also need professional support. It is important to remember that there are limits to how much we can support another person. Especially if that person is unwilling to get professional help.
Support groups
You could join a support group for family, friends and carers. These are usually run by community and voluntary groups as well as mental health organisations.
You will meet others who also care for loved ones at these groups.
You may want to share your experiences and ideas. This can help you manage the unique challenges of mental health difficulties.
The following organisations provide support groups.
Shine
Free 1-to-1 and group supports for people living with mental health difficulties and their families or supporters.
Aware
Support for people experiencing:
- anxiety
- mild to moderate depression
- bipolar disorder
- mood-related mental health difficulties
Aware also provides support for friends and family members.
Grow Mental Health
Peer support to help people recover from various types of mental health problems. Meetings are available online and in person.
Helplines
There are also free helplines offering support for carers, parents and family members.
Parentline
A free and confidential helpline for parents.
Phone: 01 873 3500
Website: parentline.ie
Samaritans
Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgemental support.
Childline
Ireland's 24-hour listening service for young people up to age 18. Childline is a service from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance if:
- you or someone you know needs emergency help
HSE services
The services we may offer include:
- family therapy
- home care
- day centre care support services
Contact your GP to access these supports.
'Journey Together' is a booklet for families and friends. It has advice on how to help people with mental health difficulties.
Download the 'Family, Carer and Supporter Guide' booklet (PDF, size 869KB, 33 pages)
Self-help resources
Meditation and relaxation techniques can be helpful when dealing with stress.
Supports for children and young people
There are suitable supports that you can direct children and young people to.
'Learning about mental illness' is a booklet for children. It can help them understand mental difficulties when a family member experiences them.
Download the 'Learning about mental illness' booklet - Barnardos
Our 'Youth mental health resource' booklet also provides support and advice for young people.
Download the HSE's 'Youth mental health resource' booklet (PDF, 1.74 MB, 28 pages)