Jigsaw as a young person

While we all try to have good mental health, feeling bad is a part of the human experience, and so are feelings of stress, uncertainty adversity, and loss.

All of us will experience both good and poor mental health during our life. The more we understand and accept this, the easier it will be to seek support when experiencing mental health difficulties.

Challenges to our mental health can be relatively brief or can last for a longer period. Some challenges can be dealt with by yourself or with the help of family and friends. Everyone is different, but here are a broad range of ways to support yourself and lift your mood:

• Social connection – talk to friends or family about what is going on for you and how you’re feeling
• Activities you enjoy – do the things that you enjoy. These can be engaging, like taking up a new hobby, or they can be relaxing, like watching your favourite TV show
• Being active – activity is good for our mental health, whether it is something sporty like a game of football, or more chilled out, like a walk in the park
• Get some rest – take time to relax. This might include getting to bed early, or having a quiet day with no expectations or responsibilities.

These are some common ways people help themselves feel better, however sometimes your feelings will not pass. They can just be too big and you may need something more to support you in dealing with them.

Sometimes we need outside help with how we are feeling or what is going on for us. During these times, you may need help from mental health professionals:

• Your GP – your family doctor is a great person to talk to if you feel you need guidance with a mental health challenge
• A school/college/workplace counsellor – many places will have a counsellor available to you. These can be a really good option to talk through what is going on for you, and how you are feeling.
• Jigsaw – Jigsaw is a mental health charity that provides free therapy and support to young people in Ireland.

Jigsaw is a place where you can get free therapy and support. We are a mental health charity, and our services are free. We don’t judge you, and what you tell us is confidential. Most young people have therapy with us in person, but we can do it online if you prefer.

If you are under 18 you have to get permission from your parent or guardian, but what you say to us is confidential. With Jigsaw, there is usually a waiting time of a couple of weeks.

You can find out more about your local Jigsaw service through the links below:

• Cork
• Donegal
• Dublin South West
• Dublin 15
• Dublin City
• Galway
• Kerry
• Laois/Offaly
• Limerick
• Meath
• North Fingal
• Roscommon
• Tipperary
• Wicklow

There can be times when you can’t wait and need to speak to someone immediately.

For example, if you have an urge or a plan to hurt yourself right now, then you need immediate support. You can speak to an adult like a parent, your GP, or a local emergency service.

Here is a list of urgent care services.