A new Irish Red Cross survey released to mark World Mental Health Day (October 10th) has revealed that while 85% of people in Ireland would not hesitate to help someone close to them in distress, almost half (50%) worry they might say or do the wrong thing — and over one in three (36%) don’t know what resources to point people towards.
The findings highlight a growing need for better mental health awareness and training, even as compassion and willingness to help remain strong across Irish communities.
The survey, part of a Europe-wide study by the International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent (IFRC), underscores how confidence and knowledge are key to supporting others during times of emotional struggle or crisis.
Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, said the findings show both a strength and a gap: “Mental and psychosocial support is essential in every emergency. Our experience in crises such as the Creeslough explosion, the Wexford hospital fire, and Storm Éowyn shows just how important early support is for helping communities recover and rebuild resilience.”
Garvey explained that psychosocial support is not a luxury, but a necessity, adding that the organisation continues to train volunteers and frontline workers in Psychological First Aid (PFA) — a simple yet powerful approach based on the principles of Look, Listen, and Link.
“This new data highlights that people’s instinct to care is strong but confidence and skills are low. Early, practical support makes a real difference and can ease the burden on formal health systems.”
Over the past year, the Irish Red Cross has provided mental and psychosocial support to over 6,000 people through the EU4Health programme.
The organisation also provides mental health and trauma-informed training to local authorities, the HSE, the Department of Justice, and education and host community groups supporting refugees and international students.
The Irish data also revealed that while Ireland reported lower anxiety levels than other countries surveyed, one in six people (16%) worry regularly about being caught up in a war, and only 11% feel mentally prepared for a crisis. Encouragingly, two-thirds (66%) said they would feel more confident supporting others if they received basic mental health training.
To learn more about Irish Red Cross mental health initiatives or upcoming training, visit www.redcross.ie.
