Sometimes the hardest part of feeling better is taking the first step. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just “not yourself,” here is how you can reach out:
– Talk to a “Safe Person”: This could be a friend, a parent, or any adult in Gortnor Abbey you trust (like a teacher, your Year Head, or the Guidance Counsellor).
– Start Small: You don’t have to explain everything at once. You can start with: “I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, can we chat?” or even send an email if talking feels too hard.
– It’s Okay to be Nervous: Everyone feels a bit shy when asking for help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to look after your mental health
– Use Your Phone: If you aren’t ready to talk to someone you know, use one of the confidential text services below.
| Service Name | Best For… | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Crisis Text Ireland | Immediate 24/7 help via text (Students & Adults) | Text HELLO to 50808 |
| Mindspace Mayo | Local Mayo youth mental health (Ages 12-25) | mindspacemayo.ie / 094 906 7001 |
| AsIAm | Support & information for Autistic students | asiam.ie / 01 445 6701 |
| Belong To | LGBTQ+ youth support, advice & groups | belongto.org / Text LGBT to 50808 |
| Childline | 24/7 anonymous chat or call for students | childline.ie / 1800 66 66 66 |
| Jigsaw | Youth mental health advice & online chat | jigsaw.ie / 1800 JIGSAW (544729) |
| Pieta | Support for self-harm or suicidal thoughts | pieta.ie / 1800 247 247 |
| Foróige Mayo | Family support and youth community groups | mayo.ie/foroige / 094 902 4332 |
| Webwise | Dealing with online safety or cyberbullying | webwise.ie |
| Ballina FRC | Local counselling & family resource centre | ballinafrc.com / 096 75573 |
| Cúram (Claremorris) | Parenting courses & family support services | curamclaremorris.ie / 094 936 2096 |
| YourMentalHealth | HSE directory of all local Irish services | yourmentalhealth.ie / 1800 111 888 |
| Spunout | Facts on mental health, life, and teen issues | spunout.ie |
| ShoutOut | Educational support for LGBTQ+ issues | shoutout.ie |
| Middletown Centre | Resources for Autism and learning | middletownautism.com |
| Bodywhys | Support for those affected by eating disorders | bodywhys.ie / 01 210 7906 |
| Tusla Mayo | Complex family needs and Meitheal support | tusla.ie / 094 904 2283 |