Mental Health

Mental Health

Mental health refers to our overall emotional, psychological and social wellbeing.

Globally, one in four people will be affected by a mental health or neurological disorder at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization.

Why is mental health a public health issue?

Good mental health is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Poor mental health can lead to negative outcomes, such as reduced quality of life, increased risk of chronic disease, increased risk of suicide, as well as wider economic and social costs.

Factors, such as socioeconomic status and social support, can have a significant impact on our mental health.

A public health approach, however, can promote mental health and wellbeing through healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices and also address the social and environmental factors that may contribute to poor mental health outcomes.

Support Services

If you are experiencing mental health issues, help, support, and information is available from a wide range of organisations.

Ireland: This list from the Health Service Executive details support and information services.
Northern Ireland: The Public Health Agency has developed a directory of mental health services on its Minding Your Head website.
The Samaritans also provide confidential support 24 hours a day by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org

Key Facts: Mental Health

Our mental health can be affected at any stage of life

Ireland: 42% of Irish adults have a mental health disorder (2022)

Northern Ireland: Around 1 in 5 adults in Northern Ireland experienced mental health issues in the previous year (2021/22 NI Health Survey)

Ireland: Policy, Strategy, Legislation

The following strategy seeks to develop a whole system mental health policy for Ireland.

Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone

Northern Ireland: Policy, Strategy, Legislation

The following strategy sets out the future direction of mental health services in Northern Ireland.

Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031

Mental Health

Recent work on mental health

IPH uses evidence-based data to develop policy briefs and submissions that will inform public policy in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Institute is currently developing a report for the Department of Health in Northern Ireland on the relationship between smoking and mental health and expects to publish its findings later this year.

Latest Mental Health Resources

Mental Health

Older persons hands

Therapeutic lying and approaches to dementia care in Ireland: North & South

21 Dec, 2016 - This all Ireland study found that that existing ethical and practice codes say it is never acceptable to lie to patients in any…

Ageing Mental Health Chronic Conditions

Older lady talking with friend

Should I lie? Approaches to dementia care - Research Brief

1 Dec, 2016 - This all Ireland study found that that existing ethical and practice codes say it is never acceptable to lie to patients in any…

Ageing Mental Health

Young and older hands

Should I lie? Approaches to dementia care - Lay Summary

Plain language summary Reports

1 Dec, 2016 - This all Ireland study found that that existing ethical and practice codes say it is never acceptable to lie to patients in any…

Ageing Mental Health

Word loneliness highlighted

Loneliness and ageing: Ireland, North and South

8 Mar, 2016 - Loneliness can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of older people and is of increasing concern for public…

Loneliness Ageing Mental Health

Man alone on deck chairs

Loneliness and ageing: Ireland, North and South: Summary Report

8 Mar, 2016 - Loneliness can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of older people and is of increasing concern for public…

Ageing Loneliness Mental Health