Calls to Phone line increase by almost 60% in one year

January Calls to Mental Health Phone line increase by almost 60% in one year 

Staff from the mental health Support & Information Line at St. Patrick’s University Hospital say more people are looking for help than ever before.

Figures for January 2012 show a significant increase in calls received (213) compared to numbers for the same month in 2011 (134).

Tom Maher, Director of Clinical Services at St. Patrick’s says “It is encouraging to see that more and more people are seeking advice for a mental health issue much earlier rather than suffering in silence. Many people that use our services have told us that they waited over a year before seeking help and some waited as long as ten years – international research has demonstrated that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes. Initiatives like the Mental Health Support and Information Line play their part in giving every Irish citizen quick access to professional mental health advice. It is hoped that this phone line will continue to prevent many people from reaching crisis point and lead callers in the direction of help.” 

One of the few services of its type & staffed by experienced mental health nurses, the Support and Information Service provides accessible advice, guidance and support for the public, health care professionals and mental health care service users. In 2011 the Support Line received 1853 calls from the general public.