Was referred to Pieta House a year ago when I'd lost my job, had no money, and was suicidal. Was told that I'd be seen to for free if it was urgent. The lady in my consultation appointment got angry at me when I told her I had no money to pay so I never went back. So that's that.

If your solution to the mental health crisis in this country is just half-hearted "awareness" and charity walks and not voting for people who want a state funded mental health service then I'm sorry, you only care about wealthy people with mental illnesses.

It makes absolutely no sense to not have free mental health services: having no job and no money is mentally a horrible and torturous situation to be in and it's very easy to get depressed. How am I supposed to be seen to with no job and therefore no money?

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I'm still unemployed but I'm doing better mentally and I'm very grateful for my partner and family for supporting me. I don't mean for this thread to be a hit piece against Pieta House, just a plea for state-funded mental health services.

Just for clarification: I didn't get turned away, but this person was visibly annoyed with me when I mentioned I had no money to give them because of my situation, it put me off and I told them that the service wasn't right for me because the ordeal was so humiliating.

I don't know if this is an isolated incident, I don't know if it was a clerical mishap or what, but that was my experience and I'm not lying. The bottom line is that it should NOT be this difficult to get access to counselling when someone is at the lowest point in their life.

As for services that I've had positive experiences with, Jigsaw have been amazing help - lovely staff, waiting lists aren't too long, and it's always free. Can't sing their praises enough. Services like that need to be an option for EVERYONE, not just those aged 12 to 25.