HSE launches Mental Health Campaign for Young People

Focussing on things that are known to cause stress and anxiety the campaign highlights the benefits that getting enough sleep, taking regular study breaks, spending less time on devices and sharing a problem with someone you trust can have on your mental health.

The campaign launches today on radio and social media and signposts to the HSE’s newly developed website YourMentalHealth.ie. The site provides a significantly improved experience for everyone but is particularly relevant to young people who access information online every day. They will be able to find personalised support options through a search tool that generates information on online resources, telephone and face-to-face services relevant to a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety and stress.

Speaking about the campaign Mr Jim Ryan, HSE Assistant National Director for Mental Health Operations said: “We know young people today have a lot to deal with. We wanted our campaign to highlight two key things -  you’re not on your own and talking about things with someone you trust can help. This reinforces messages within our Little Things mental health campaign that there are small everyday things that will make a positive impact on our mental health. Providing young people of all ages with the information and resources to protect their mental health is a huge focus for us. This campaign follows on from a campaign we recently launched with Union of Students Ireland to promote mental health to third level students and forms part of our efforts to deliver on our commitments under Connecting for Life, the national suicide prevention strategy.”
• The Mind Monster’ campaign was developed to encourage young people mind their mental health and to seek support and services
• This campaign forms part of our efforts to deliver on our commitments under Connecting for Life, the national suicide prevention strategy specifically
• It also meets a number of recommendations outlined in the Youth Mental Health Task Force
• The Mind Monster Campaign was developed using research conducted by the Online Youth Mental Health agency, ReachOut.com
• The campaign has been produced in conjunction with Irelands Youth Information website SpunOut.ie

Source: Health Service Executive, 28th November 2018