Women are three times more likely to contact a mental health support service than men - according to St. Patrick’s Mental Health Foundation in Dublin.

Figures published from last year show almost two thousand women sought help compared to just six-hundred and sixty-four men.

Overall there's been a 29 per cent increase in the number of phone calls to St Patrick's, and a 49 per cent rise in email requests for support.

Tom Maher, Director of Clinical Services has welcomed the substantial increase saying more people are willing to talk about their mental health - however, he says the low number of men contacting the helpline is still a worry.