State to provide free counselling sessions for men with mental health concerns
It will fund supports which will be made available through GPs and will include a national marketing campaign targeting men directly from next month.
While males have often been reluctant to discuss mental health issues, it is hoped the scheme will make it easier to seek help.
It will provide access to a range of new talk therapies and counselling supports specifically aimed at men.
It is hoped the finding will help reduce the stigma often associated with mental health and encourage men who otherwise would not usually avail of counselling to reach out for help.
According to the Central Statistics Office, 449 people died by suicide in Ireland in 2021 and of these 359 (80%) were men compared to 90 (20%) of such deaths among women.
It is believed the real figures are much higher as the deaths of all those who take their own lives are not always confirmed as suicide. Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler said the initiative is part of the national approach to mental health policy implementation, Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and Connecting for Life, Ireland's strategy for suicide prevention,
She added: 'This is a much-needed initiative to widen access to supports for men, from mental health promotion activities, right through to counselling services and specialist support.
'These new supports will be made available to every GP in the country for direct signposting to men during consultations.
'They will also be available directly to men through our HSE helpline and yourmentalhealth.ie website and promoted in a targeted national marketing campaign beginning from September 2025.
'More than ever, it is essential that men feel that they can reach out, to access the services and support that they need and deserve, or simply equip them with the confidence to talk to family and friends.'
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