Mental Health in Ireland: Current Trends and Challenges

Mental Health in Ireland: Current Trends and Challenges
By Dan Boland, Psychotherapist

In recent years, mental health has finally begun to receive the national attention it deserves in Ireland. We’ve made notable strides in awareness and destigmatisation but as any mental health professional or service user can attest, we still have a long way to go. As a practising psychotherapist, I see first-hand both the progress and the pain points that define mental health care in Ireland today.

1. Rising Demand for Services

Mental health concerns are on the rise, and demand for support has never been higher. This increase is due in part to growing openness about mental health, particularly among younger generations, but also to the significant stressors Irish society is currently facing:

• Economic pressures and the housing crisis

• Post-pandemic adjustment

• Rising social isolation

• Uncertainty around global and local events

Unfortunately, while demand is increasing, services have struggled to keep pace.

2. Under-Resourced Public Mental Health Services

One of the most significant challenges remains access to timely, affordable mental health care. Despite government efforts and policy commitments, the reality is that:

• Waiting lists for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and adult services are often months long.

• Many individuals are referred to services that are already overwhelmed.

• There is a lack of specialised supports in rural areas.

Budget allocations have improved in recent years, but mental health still only receives around 6% of the total health budget, well below the 12% recommended by the World Health Organisation.

3. Growing Role of Private Therapy

With public systems under pressure, many people are turning to private practitioners for support. This shift highlights both opportunity and inequity:

• On the positive side, it’s encouraging to see people prioritising mental wellbeing.

• However, for many, the cost of private therapy is prohibitive, particularly for those without health insurance or financial means.

As therapists, we often find ourselves navigating the ethical tension between wanting to make therapy accessible and needing to sustain our practice.

4. The Mental Health of Young People

Young people in Ireland are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Influences include:

• Social media and digital overload

• Academic and career pressures

• Climate anxiety and societal uncertainty

Schools are increasingly recognising the importance of emotional education, but again, systemic supports remain limited. Early intervention remains the key but it's not always available.

5. Stigma: Lessening, but Still Present

Ireland has come a long way in reducing stigma. Campaigns like See Change and Mental Health Ireland have made a real impact. Yet, in some communities and family systems, mental health is still seen as taboo.
Particularly among men, there can be a reluctance to seek help, a pattern that continues to contribute to Ireland’s tragically high rates of male suicide.

6. Opportunities for the Future

While the challenges are real, there are also reasons for hope:

• Mental health literacy is growing, especially among younger generations.

• Online and blended care models are improving accessibility.

• The conversation around mental health is more visible in media, politics, and everyday life.

As psychotherapists, we have a vital role to play, not just in providing one-on-one care, but in advocating for systemic change, de-stigmatising support, and contributing to national conversations.

Final Thoughts

Ireland’s mental health landscape is at a crossroads. While we face considerable challenges from stretched services to societal pressures we also have a real opportunity to reimagine what mental wellbeing could look like, both individually and collectively.

I believe that healing is possible, not only in the therapy room, but in communities, policies, and cultural shifts. Let’s keep working toward a future where everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, can access the mental health support they need.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Support is available and you don’t have to go through it alone; please contact www.holisticcounsellingireland.com.