UPS AND DOWNS, peaks and troughs, highs and lows. Whatever you call it, we’re all affected by our mood and mental wellbeing on any given day.

All over the festive period, TheJournal.ie has been bringing comprehensive advice and personal experiences on what practical steps you can take to help stop the ‘lows’ becoming a more long-term or serious mental health issue.

• Read our practical guides here>

Today, we want to give you a handy directory to some of the best online tools, direct helplines, and services to contact if you are interested in figuring out what little things can make a big difference in your everyday life.

Bookmark it to read later, print it out and stick it on the fridge, favourite and share it in your social media channels: just keep it to hand. We all have a part to play in reaching out to others going through a rough patch – or in just being kind to ourselves.

Online wellness workshop

This is an incredible resource from Suicide or Survive that leads you through an online tutorial where you can watch video guides and download worksheets that help you maintain a sense of mental wellbeing throughout the year.

It’s jargon-free and practical, with modules like ‘Bring Calm to Your Life’ and ‘Daily Wellness’ giving a holistic approach to mental health maintenance.

Find it at wellnessworkshop.ie

Mindfulness Minute worksheet Mindfulness Minute worksheet

Helplines to help… well, everyone

The yourmentalhealth.ie site is a one-stop shop for information and links to scores of mental health organisations, many volunteer and local to your area, that target different groups.

This is the full indispensable list - and these are the areas it covers:

• 24 hours a day listening service
• self-harm support
• money and debt management
• general mental health support
• gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender support
• abuse/domestic violence help and support
• advocacy for those with mental health difficulties
• bereavement
• children and young people
• drug, alcohol and addiction 
• support for those with eating disorders
• legal aid and entitlements support
• family and parent supports
• elderly people’s helpline 

Children and teenagers – mental wellbeing at a vital age

There are some excellent services directed at younger people who are having problems – or even just have questions they find difficult to ask those close to them.

These are great places for them to seek advice and support:

Childline 1800 666 666 or online chat at childline.ie. They can also text ‘Talk’ to 50101.

The HeadsUp service is a free, confidential 24-hour text service giving you access to helplines and support services when you need them. Just text 50424.

headsup.ie headsup.ie

Jigsaw is a network of community programmes which aim to give local young people a place to turn and talk about their lives.

ReachOut.com takes the taboo out of young people seeking mental health information. Their Real Stories really helps young people connect with their peers and know that they are not alone.

SpunOut.ie carries loads of useful info about sexual health, exam stress, lifestyle and more. A lively online pocket guide to life for young people. Here’s Facebook vlogger Jamie Harrington about coping with depression:

Learn from the #littlethings that help others

The @littlethingshub Twitter account has some timely tips to help you figure out how to maintain your mental balance – and to help those you think might be struggling:

Not only that but you can join in the conversation with your own recommendations – and learn from others’ experiences. Just remember to include the @littlethingshub handle or the #littlethings hashtag.

Feeling like it’s all getting too much?

1. Most importantly, free call Samaritans 116 123 – the first time there has been one number that you can ring no matter what the crisis. They are a 24-hour listening service.
2. If you don’t have a GP already, you can use the HSE.ie online service finder. Out of hours? There is a GP out-of-hours service too.
3. If you or someone you know needs emergency medical treatment then attend the nearest hospital emergency department. If someone has harmed themselves, ring 999 or 112.

The #LittleThings campaign from yourmentalhealth.ie is a national effort by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention and scores of partner organisations and support groups to bring information, awareness, advice and support around mental health for you and your loved ones.