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Mental health

World Mental Health Day 2026: How to Take the First Step in Ireland

Your story deserves time. Start the conversation. This year's theme is about being heard — here is how to take that first step in Ireland, from free public supports to a full 30-minute conversation with a GP.

Two adults talking over tea by a rainy window overlooking Irish countryside, a green ribbon on the table
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Waqar Syed, General Practitioner, Irish Medical Council reg. 4158828 min read

Want time to talk it through? A full 30-minute mental health consultation with an Irish-registered GP, by video or phone, costs €50 (adults 18+).

Book a 30-minute consult — €50

If you are in danger right now or thinking about ending your life, call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, Pieta on 1800 247 247 (or text HELP to 51444), or text HELLO to 50808 — all free, 24/7.

What happened on World Mental Health Day 2026

On 10 October 2026 the HSE urged people across Ireland to reach out — to a friend, a family member, a GP or a support line — rather than carry difficulties alone. The same week, the Minister for Mental Health announced an €11 million package focused on early intervention: four new Jigsaw services for young people aged 12 to 25, and more free community counselling, including the Free Men's Counselling Programme and the Community Therapy Fund.

Why being heard is the first treatment

This year's theme is "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change". In general practice that is not a slogan — it is how good care starts. The most useful thing a GP can do in a first mental health appointment is listen long enough to understand what is actually going on: sleep, work, relationships, alcohol, physical health, and what you have already tried.

That is hard to do in a rushed slot. It is why our mental health consultation is a full 30 minutes, not 15 — enough time to tell your story without watching the clock, and for the GP to agree a plan with you rather than for you.

Three ways to take the first step

Pick the one that feels right today — you can do more than one.

Free 3-minute mood & anxiety check

Best if you…
want a private, structured way to put words and numbers on how the last two weeks have felt
Cost
Free

30-minute mental health consultation with an Irish GP

Best if you…
want to talk it through, get a plan, and discuss treatment or referral
Cost
€50

Free public supports (HSE, Jigsaw, SilverCloud, counselling)

Best if you…
want ongoing support, are 12–25, or prefer to start with a helpline or online programme
Cost
Free

What's included in our 30-minute consultation

The NOVAGP mental health consultation is for adults aged 18 and over, by video or phone, with Dr Waqar Syed (Irish Medical Council reg. 415882).

So you know exactly what you are booking.

What your 30 minutes includes

  • A full 30-minute assessment of mood, anxiety, stress and sleep
  • Review of your PHQ-9 and GAD-7 answers, if you completed them
  • A personal safety plan and clear safety-netting advice
  • Treatment options discussed with you — including an SSRI or SNRI where appropriate after assessment
  • Referral to free HSE SilverCloud online CBT, or a request to your own GP for counselling (CIPC) where suitable
  • A sick certificate if clinically appropriate
  • A summary sent to your own Irish GP so your care stays joined up

What this service does not cover

  • Emergency or crisis care — if you feel unsafe, call 112/999 or go to an Emergency Department
  • Anyone under 18 (Jigsaw services support 12–25 year olds)
  • Controlled or dependence-forming medicines: benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets such as zopiclone, pregabalin, ADHD medicines and opioids
  • Ongoing care from a psychiatrist, or a course of therapy sessions
  • ADHD or autism assessment and diagnosis
  • Any prescription before your assessment — treatment only starts once the GP has assessed you

Sharing a summary with your own GP is a required part of this service. It keeps your care safe and continuous — your regular GP knows what was discussed and what was started.

How to use the free mood & anxiety check

  1. Open the free mood & anxiety check — no account, no email, nothing saved unless you choose to book.
  2. Answer 16 short questions about the last two weeks. The first nine are the PHQ-9 (mood), the next seven the GAD-7 (anxiety). It takes about three minutes.
  3. Read your result. Scores are grouped as minimal, mild, moderate or severe. A score of 10 or more on either scale, or symptoms lasting more than two weeks, is a good reason to talk to a GP.
  4. If you want to, tap "Book with these answers" — your answers travel with your booking so you don't have to repeat them.

The check is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. You don't have to do it before booking — many people prefer to just talk.

Small things that genuinely help this week

  • Tell one person how you are actually doing — not the "grand, thanks" version.
  • Keep a regular wake time and get outside in daylight early in the day.
  • Notice alcohol: it worsens sleep, anxiety and low mood within days.
  • Move a little every day — a 20-minute walk counts.
  • Write down what has changed and for how long; it makes a GP conversation easier.

Free supports in Ireland

When to get urgent help

  • Thoughts of ending your life, or a plan — call 112/999, go to an ED, or call Samaritans 116 123 now.
  • Hearing or seeing things others don't, or feeling out of touch with reality.
  • Being unable to eat, drink or look after yourself.
  • Someone else being at risk because of how you feel.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Is it OK to see a GP if I'm 'just stressed'?

Yes. Stress that affects your sleep, work, relationships or enjoyment of life is a completely valid reason to talk to a GP. Early conversations often prevent things getting worse.

How long is the NOVAGP mental health consultation and what does it cost?

It is a full 30-minute video or phone consultation with an Irish GP for €50, for adults aged 18 and over.

Will my own GP be told?

Yes. A summary is sent to your own Irish GP — this is a required part of the service so your care stays safe and joined up.

Is the free mood & anxiety check a diagnosis?

No. It uses the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening questionnaires to help you describe how the last two weeks have felt. Only a clinical assessment can make a diagnosis.

Do I have to complete the free check before booking?

No. You can book straight away. If you do complete it, you can bring your answers with you so you don't repeat them.

Can I get medication in the consultation?

If appropriate after a full assessment, the GP may discuss an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant. We do not prescribe controlled drugs, sleeping tablets or sedatives online.

Can I get free counselling in Ireland?

Often, yes. Options include HSE SilverCloud online CBT, HSE counselling in primary care (medical card holders), the Free Men's Counselling Programme and Community Therapy Fund services. A GP can help you find the right one.

What does Jigsaw offer?

Jigsaw provides free mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25 with mild to moderate difficulties. Four new Jigsaw services were announced for 2027 on World Mental Health Day 2026.

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Start the conversation with a GP

A full 30-minute video or phone mental health consultation for adults 18+, €50. A summary is shared with your own GP.

Book a 30-minute consult — €50How an online GP consultation works30-minute mental health consultation — €50Free mood & anxiety checkAnxiety and low mood: GP guideMental health & wellbeing guides

This article is general health information for people in Ireland and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you have an urgent or severe symptom, contact your GP, an out-of-hours service, or call 112 or 999.

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