Today Is World Mental Health Day & There Are Calls For Additional Funding For Services In Ireland.

While Pieta House is appealing to people to take part in its 'Feel Good' initiative today.

Mental Health Ireland is calling on the government to give an additional 85 million euro to fund mental health services in the Budget.

The World Health Organisation recommends that 12 percent of a health budget should be given to mental health, but Mental Health Ireland says only 7 percent is spent here.

There are also calls for spending on Counselling in Primary care to be doubled, allowing a further 10-thousand people access the service.

CEO of Mental Health Ireland, Martin Rogan says, more investment is needed to improve all mental health services:

This Sunday is #WorldMentalHealthDay - we are proud to support organisations offering services for those who need it. #WMHD #YourMentalHealth https://t.co/bZKCew8HE2 pic.twitter.com/xZuYVKimsY

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) October 10, 2021

Pieta House is appealing to people to take part in its 'Feel Good' initiative today.

The suicide prevention charity says it's even more important to look after your physical and mental health as the days get shorter and colder.

The campaign encourages people to get active with family or friends and boost your mood.

Pieta Ambassador and Dublin Senior Footballer Shane Carthy has opened up about his struggles with depression, which began when he was a teenager.

The All-Ireland winner says physical exercise was a big part of how he learned to cope

Freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply) #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD21 pic.twitter.com/s4pgfN3M9s

— Pieta (@PietaHouse) October 10, 2021

A Fine Gael MEP says not enough is being done to help prevent serious mental health issues in young people around the EU.

Maria Walsh was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg where mental health issues were discussed this weekend by young people from all over the EU including Ireland as part of World Mental Health Day.

The MEP for the Midlands North-West, says we need to do more to question the stigma around mental health, particularly in Ireland:

Maria Walsh says there needs to be increased awareness of how to deal with mental health difficulties early on:
 

#WorldMentalHealthDay Please know support services are available. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence please remember our National 24-Hour Helpline 1800 77 8888. pic.twitter.com/81f35rEGEQ

— Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (@DublinRCC) October 10, 2021