Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, stated that its highest sign-up rates for 2022 were Dublin at 27.9%, Cork at 12.3%, Galway at 6.1% and Kildare at 5.2%.
The most common age categories were 25 - 34-year-olds, followed by 18 - 24-year-olds, followed by 35 - 44-year-olds.
Turn2Me stated it had users from various age brackets including 12 - 14-year-olds, and 75 - 84-year-olds.
Turn2Me's biggest reported issues from users in 2022 were anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues.
"The statistics show the need for professional, accessible mental health services across Ireland," Fiona O'Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said, "Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Kildare having the highest sign-ups may coincide with the high population in these counties. People can really struggle over the Christmas period, there can be tension with siblings, parents, in-laws, or their own children. Turn2Me offers people free mental health services without the barrier of waiting lists. You can sign up for a support group and attend it the same day."
Turn2Me's free 'Christmas Blues' support group is available to everyone on the island of Ireland and will run over the Christmas period. The charity is reminding people that it is offering mental health support 365 days a year. The charity also has a free 'Thought Catcher' online mood diary which runs everyday from 2pm until 8pm. People can talk about issues they're having, and other users can respond with uplifting messages of support. To sign up for any of these free mental health services, go to Turn2Me.ie
Turn2me was founded in 2009 stemming from the experiences of Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who lost their brother, Cormac, to suicide in 2003.
In 2013, turn2me gained the support of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention to deliver counselling online.
In 2019, turn2me joined forces with ReachOut Ireland to create a space for young people to find information to support their mental health online.
As of September 2021, turn2me offers adult counselling and peer support services to adults and young people aged 12 plus.
It also offers group support services for teenagers, young people and adults.
