'Significant uptake' in HSE's online mental health plan as thousands avail of service

The Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler has revealed that over 12,000 people have completed the 'My Mental Health Plan' since it was first launched in May 2024.

The HSE introduced the initiative as an online and interactive tool where people aged 18 and older can personalise their own mental health plan in attempt to find ways to improve stress, anxiety, low mood and/or sleep problems.

People are invited to avail of the service which is designed to help individuals reflect on their own mental health needs and receive personalised advice.

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However, as noted on the HSE's website, it is "not an assessment of your mental health", and so people are advised that it cannot help with urgent or long-term issues.

Minister Butler has welcomed what she described as a "significant uptake" of the service which emphasises the growing awareness and proactive approach towards mental health in the country. 

The Minister has encouraged more people to use the service this January in an effort to take care of their mental wellbeing during what can be a difficult time for many.

She said: "January can be a particularly challenging month for mental health and emotional wellbeing. As the festive season ends and daily routines resume, many people face personal pressures from new resolutions, financial strains, and increased loneliness.

"Mental health difficulties like ongoing stress, low mood, anxiety and sleep problems are common. People tend to accept them as normal and part of their daily lives and not realise that they are all part of your mental health."

She added: "If you haven’t tried My Mental Health Plan yet, I would encourage you to try it now – it only takes a few minutes and will give you tailored advice from a trusted source. I am really pleased to see that 12,000 people have already completed their own plan, taking a pro-active approach to minding their own mental health."

If you're interesting in checking out the 'My Mental Health Plan' you can visit the HSE's website.