Mental Health Resources
You Don't Have to
Carry It Alone
At The Wild Glen, we believe that slowing down is one of the most radical things you can do for your health. But sometimes, what we're carrying is heavier than a slow morning and a warm cup of tea can reach. This page is for those times.
If you've found your way here, you might be going through something difficult right now — whether that's burnout, anxiety, low mood, panic attacks, or simply a sense that you've been running on empty for too long. Support is available, and you deserve to reach for it.
Below you'll find a list of mental health resources — some right here in Co. Wicklow, others available nationally around the clock. There is no wrong way to ask for help, and no threshold you need to reach before you're allowed to use these services. Whether you're in crisis or just quietly struggling, every single one of these organisations wants to hear from you.
You can also go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital at any time.
If You Need to Talk Right Now
24/7 National Crisis & Listening Lines
These services are free, confidential, and available any time of the day or night. You don't need a referral, a diagnosis, or a reason beyond needing someone to listen.
Samaritans
A free, confidential listening service for anyone experiencing feelings of distress, overwhelm or despair. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call, email, or write — no judgement, no pressure.
Text About It — Text 50808
A free, anonymous text-based support service funded by the HSE. From a calming conversation to immediate crisis support — text from wherever you are, whenever you need it. No phone call required.
Pieta House
A free, specialist service supporting people in suicidal distress, those who self-harm, and people bereaved by suicide. All services are completely free of charge and provided by qualified therapists.
HSE YourMentalHealth.ie Infoline
The HSE's national mental health information line. Trained staff can point you in the right direction for services and support in your area, and provide information about what's available to you.
Support in Co. Wicklow
Local Services
Living in Wicklow, you have access to dedicated local services as well as national supports. Whether you're looking for professional care, community connection, or just a group of people who understand what you're going through — these are your local starting points.
Your GP — First & Always
Your family doctor is often the most important first step. GPs in Wicklow can provide direct support for anxiety, depression and burnout, refer you to the HSE Community Mental Health Team, or connect you with the National Counselling Service. Don't wait until things feel unbearable — a GP appointment is a good place to start any time you're not feeling yourself.
Mental Health Wicklow
The local arm of Mental Health Ireland, Mental Health Wicklow promotes positive mental health and wellbeing across the county. A fantastic first port of call for understanding what local services and support groups are available near you in Wicklow.
Newcastle Hospital, Greystones
The HSE's main inpatient and community mental health facility serving East Wicklow. The Community Mental Health Team here provides services for adults across the county including outpatient appointments, day services, and community-based support. Access is typically through a GP referral.
Centric Mental Health — Wicklow Town
A private mental health service based at Wicklow Primary Health Centre offering a range of therapies, assessments, and psychiatric services for adults and children. Offers both in-person and online appointments.
GROW Mental Health — Wicklow
GROW runs free, community-based peer support groups for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or mental health difficulties. The meetings are welcoming, informal, and open to all — no referral needed. GROW has active groups across County Wicklow meeting regularly in person and online.
Jigsaw Wicklow
Free, confidential mental health support for young people aged 12–25 across the whole of County Wicklow. Offers free one-to-one therapy both in person and online. No waiting lists, no referral required, completely free of charge.
RISE Counselling & Psychotherapy
A Wicklow-based counselling practice offering support for stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional difficulties. Accredited therapists providing individual counselling in a safe, confidential setting.
Find an Accredited Counsellor in Wicklow
National Support Organisations
Specialist Help for Specific Struggles
Wherever you are in Ireland, these national organisations provide specialist support across a wide range of mental health difficulties. Many offer freephone lines, email support, online counselling, and in-person groups.
Aware — Depression & Anxiety
Ireland's leading organisation supporting people with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and mood-related conditions — and their loved ones. Offers a freephone support line, online support groups, and free education programmes. Open 365 days a year.
Mental Health Ireland
A national voluntary organisation promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Provides resources, community support, and information on accessing services. Their local branches — including Mental Health Wicklow — are embedded in communities around Ireland.
Turn2Me — Online Counselling
A free online mental health platform offering peer support groups, self-help programmes, and one-to-one professional counselling. Available to anyone in Ireland, and also free for Irish citizens living abroad. A genuinely accessible option if waiting lists or cost are a barrier.
National Counselling Service (HSE)
Free counselling provided directly by the HSE for adults over 18 who meet the criteria. Your GP can refer you, or you can self-refer in some areas. This is the primary route for free professional talk therapy through the public system.
GROW — Nationwide Peer Support Groups
Free community mental health support groups across Ireland, including in County Wicklow. GROW groups meet weekly and welcome anyone who has experienced — or is currently experiencing — mental health difficulties. Warm, peer-led, and completely free.
Shine — Information & Listening Service
A free email counselling service staffed by qualified psychotherapists. Ideal for people who find it easier to write than to speak. Shine also provides information on depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Responses within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
St Patrick's Mental Health Services
One of Ireland's largest independent, not-for-profit mental health providers. Offers inpatient, day patient, and outpatient services for adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health conditions. Located in Dublin, serving the east of Ireland.
Small Steps for Hard Days
While You Wait, While You Heal
Professional support takes time to access, and some days you just need something to hold onto right now. These small, evidence-backed practices won't fix everything — but they can help you get through to the next hour, the next morning, the next conversation.
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Step outside. Even five minutes in fresh air — especially near trees, water, or green space — can meaningfully reduce cortisol and calm a racing nervous system. Wicklow's forests and coastline are genuinely good medicine.
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Breathe with intention. Box breathing (4 counts in, hold 4, out 4, hold 4) is used by emergency workers to calm acute anxiety and panic. It works, and it costs nothing.
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Write it down. You don't have to be a writer. Just three sentences about how you're feeling — or even a list of what's on your mind — can create enough distance from your thoughts to make them feel more manageable.
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Put the phone down. Scrolling when you're already overwhelmed is like pouring water into a full glass. Even a 20-minute break from screens can bring your nervous system down a notch.
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Make something with your hands. There is genuine therapeutic value in craft, repetitive motion, and sensory focus. It's one of the reasons our workshops exist — the act of making pulls you into the present moment in a way that is quiet, grounding, and restorative.
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Tell one person. You don't have to tell everyone. You don't have to have a full conversation. Just telling one safe person — "I'm not doing great at the moment" — breaks the silence and lightens the load.
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Protect your sleep. Anxiety and burnout devastate sleep quality, and poor sleep makes everything harder. A consistent wind-down routine — same time each night, screens off, something warm to drink — is one of the highest-return things you can do for your mental health.
If you're unsure where to start, the single best first step is usually your GP. You don't need to arrive with the right words or a clear diagnosis — you can simply say "I haven't been feeling myself" and let them help you from there. That conversation is the gateway to almost everything else on this page.
And if you're not ready to make a phone call yet, texting HELLO to 50808 is completely free, anonymous, and available right now — at 2am or 2pm, on the good days and the harder ones.
If you're going through something hard right now, please reach out to one of the services above. You are not alone, and help is closer than it might feel. You found this page for a reason. We hope it helps. Please be kind to yourself.