Kildare had high sign-up rates for mental health charity in 2022

County Kildare had high sign-up rates for a mental health charity this year.

Turn2Me has revealed that its highest sign-up rates for 2022 were Dublin at 27.9 per cent, Cork at 12.3 per cent, Galway at 6.1 per cent and Kildare at 5.2 per cent.

According to the charity, the most popular age categories were: 25 to 34-year-olds, followed by 18 to 24-year-olds, followed by 35 to 44-year-olds.

It added that it had users from various age brackets, including 12 to 14-year-olds and 75 to 84-year-olds, and that the biggest reported issues from users in 2022 were related to anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues.

The announcement follows after the charity last week publicly encouraged people from County Kildare to access its services if they’re feeling low over Christmas.

Commenting on the findings, Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said: "The statistics show the need for professional, accessible mental health services across Ireland.

"Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Kildare having the highest sign-ups may coincide with the high population in these counties.

She continued: "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."

She also pointed to Turn2Me’s free 'Christmas Blues' support group, which the group also promoted last week.

Ms O' Malley explained: "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 very personal experiences of Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who lost their brother, Cormac, to suicide in 2003. 

In 2013, the charity gained the support of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention to deliver counselling online.

Then, 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.