HOW OFTEN DO you talk to somebody about what’s going on in your head?

The Samaritans support group is trying to encourage people to open up and be honest about what’s going on in their lives through a new campaign.

The organisation has asked for the support from many well-known personalities who have shared their various experiences about what they do if they’re feeling down or depressed.

Here’s just a small selection of their stories.

Louise McSharry, 2FM (and formerly DailyEdge.ie)

The radio star shares her own personal experience of unemployment and the problems it created for her.

Bryan Dobson, RTÉ News

The newscaster says he relies on his 25-year-long relationship with his wife to ensure sound mental health.

Alison Curtis, TodayFM

The radio presenter reveals she is an “anxious person by nature” and that a year-and-a-half ago she did a course of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). Here’s her advice.

Helplines:

• Console 1800 201 890 – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement)

• Aware 1890 303 302 (depression, anxiety)

• Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie - (suicide, self-harm, bereavement)

• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)

• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

‘I stopped self-harming, the thoughts of suicide are gone and I don’t judge myself’

Samaritans’ volunteers will highlight their work at a location near you this summer