HSE research found that one in two of us have had experience of a mental health difficulty.

With the festive season approaching, people might encounter additional stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep problems as they try to meet the expectations of Christmas and the New Year.  

Additional costs, work, socialising or demands of family and friends, can all impact on our mental health in different ways: irritability, breathing problems, panicky feelings or headaches.

The HSE is encouraging anyone who is experiencing ongoing stress, anxiety, mental health or sleep problems to make the connection with their mental health and take a moment to visit yourmentalhealth.ie.

Here you can find a range of information on breathing exercises, resources on physical activity, apps on mindfulness, online courses on stress control and many more to help you over the coming weeks.

This is all part of a targeted awareness campaign that the HSE is running on radio, social media, podcasts, websites, video, at train stations and bus stops during December and January.

For information on mental health supports available in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon click HERE.