The Bigger Picture

Fear Less

Fear Less

Ever since I was in secondary school, I’ve had a pen and paper in my bag. I’d use them anytime my head was full, just to get some of the thoughts out rather than have them put me in a permanent spin
A Lust for Life and The Care Trust Partnership

A Lust for Life and The Care Trust Partnership

A Lust for Life is delighted to have been selected by The Care Trust and awarded a grant to help us build the next phase of our the A Lust for Life Schools Programme for 1st and 2nd class pupils
Social Anxiety Ireland

Social Anxiety Ireland

We are a non-profit organization compassionately dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by social anxiety along with raising national awareness about social anxiety its implications and the available treatment options
A Lust for Life’s Hunt for Hope: Gallery of hope

A Lust for Life’s Hunt for Hope: Gallery of hope

This pandemic has been tough. Being in a lockdown with restricted movement for twelve months has hit us all really hard. Everyone has experienced this pandemic differently
Grieving the Leaving – The Student Perspective on Leaving Cert 2021

Grieving the Leaving – The Student Perspective on Leaving Cert 2021

In this A Lust for Life live webinar, Niall Breslin chats with Cian Costello, Leaving Cert student and host of The Student Perspective Podcast, about what the Leaving Cert students are going through
An Evening With Professor Luke O’Neill and Professor Ian Robertson

An Evening With Professor Luke O’Neill and Professor Ian Robertson

A Lust for Life’s ‘Hunt for Hope’ campaign officially launched with an online event ‘An Evening With’ Professor Luke O’Neill and Professor Ian Robertson hosted by Paula McLoughlin
Documentary: Lean on me

Documentary: Lean on me

We marked September 2020 with a 240km run across Ireland for mental health awareness. We called it Mindfulwest Run and we decided the raise funds for A Lust for Life and Crumlin Children's Hospital
“Something more than another offer of tea and sympathy”

“Something more than another offer of tea and sympathy”

Last Saturday was World Mental Health Day and we had a massive response to our events. Thanks so much to everyone for viewing, sharing and taking part throughout the day
RTÉ launches major online gallery Illuminations

RTÉ launches major online gallery Illuminations

From spring to autumn 2020, we have lived through a different sort of season, halting normality, forcing change, bringing fear and stress
An Evening With Jerry Fish

An Evening With Jerry Fish

We caught up with Jerry Fish for an intimate evening of conversation about life, music and what inspires him. This one really inspired us. Jerry Fish is a 'True Friend' to A Lust for Life having re-released his famous single 'True Friends' with RTE Concert Orchestra
Bressie and Andrea from Social Fabric Podcast talk mental health

Bressie and Andrea from Social Fabric Podcast talk mental health

As part of World Mental Health Day, Bressie spoke to Andrea of Social Fabric Podcast about Mindfulwest Run about the importance of tribes and community in minding your mental health
Under the Mask: A reading by author Emma Cahill

Under the Mask: A reading by author Emma Cahill

Emma Cahill reads from her Children's Mental Health book 'Under the Mask'. The story is about three loveable superheroes teaching children how to recognise and manage their emotions
It All Works Out Episode 6: It all works out

It All Works Out Episode 6: It all works out

We conclude this podcast with the message that no matter what, it all works out. There are many paths to take in life and success looks very different for many people
World Mental Health Day 2020

World Mental Health Day 2020

This Saturday is #worldmentalhealthday and we're delighted to bring you a full line-up of events across our social media
It All Works Out Episode 5: Leaving Cert reform

It All Works Out Episode 5: Leaving Cert reform

In this episode of 'It All Works Out' we talk about that all-important Leaving Cert reform. For years, young people have been shouting that this "one size fits all" exam is not fit for purpose
It All Works Out Episode 4: Transitioning to university

It All Works Out Episode 4: Transitioning to university

So many of us got that first year in college experience; the first chance at independence, new friends, new adventures and following our passion
It All Works Out Episode 3: Coping with uncertainty

It All Works Out Episode 3: Coping with uncertainty

Uncertainty became the buzz word of 2020. From when the schools closed in March to the lead up to when the exams were officially cancelled, nobody had a clue what was going on
It All Works Out Episode 2: Milestones

It All Works Out Episode 2: Milestones

In Episode two of ‘It All Works Out’ we look at the milestones that this year’s Leaving Cert Class missed out on
Jerry Fish, The RTE Concert Orchestra and friends: True Friendsvideo

Jerry Fish, The RTE Concert Orchestra and friends: True Friends

Watch Jerry Fish, the RTE Concert Orchestra and a host of friends come together in harmony for the classic ‘True Friends’
It All Works Out Episode 1: Meet the class of Covid19

It All Works Out Episode 1: Meet the class of Covid19

The ‘It All Works Out’ Podcast is here - The six-part series is created by leaving cert students, for leaving cert students: to help the class of Covid19 deal with the uncertainty of their exam year
Child Talks 2020

Child Talks 2020

Applications are now open for Child Talks 2020, an annual event run by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office to mark World Children’s Day in November
A Lust for Life highlights youth mental health as part of ‘RTE does Comic Relief’ fundraiser

A Lust for Life highlights youth mental health as part of ‘RTE does Comic Relief’ fundraiser

In the wake of COVID-19 RTÉ, in association with Comic Relief, are bringing the best of Irish comedy and entertainment together to have a laugh and raise much-needed funds for charities across Ireland
The #teachtolerance campaign: How two teenagers are fighting racism in Irish schools

The #teachtolerance campaign: How two teenagers are fighting racism in Irish schools

The #teachtolerance campaign aims to get education on racism, homophobia and other forms of intolerance introduced into the school curriculum
Why being an anti-racist is important for everybody’s mental health

Why being an anti-racist is important for everybody’s mental health

When it comes to our mental health, physical health and societal health, we often wait for things to get too bad before we face them. And here we are again, being called to face racism
Irelands mental wellbeing is too important for history to repeat itself

Irelands mental wellbeing is too important for history to repeat itself

The much anticipated Programme for Government has made significant commitments to the implementation of Ireland’s new national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – a mental health policy for everyone
The brighter side of Covid

The brighter side of Covid

It’s March 11th, sometime around 5pm, I order a filter coffee and sit down to do some writing in one of my favourite coffee shops on Drury St., Dublin – a ritual that’s become habitual since embarking on my Ph.D journey
Government must plan for mental health recovery from COVID-19

Government must plan for mental health recovery from COVID-19

Ireland currently faces three major challenges. At the moment we are in the whirlwind of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our energies are focussed on saving lives from succumbing to the physical effects of the virus
I feel like a faceless statistic

I feel like a faceless statistic

The Leaving Cert has always been a cause for anxiety and emotion for me, and nothing makes me feel sick quite like the thoughts of ten high-pressure exams that decide if I go to college. From day one of fifth-year, I struggled with the intensity of the Leaving Cycle
For parents of Leaving Cert students: stay well

For parents of Leaving Cert students: stay well

As parents, all we want is the best for our children, no matter their age. We live with an overwhelming desire to love, care for and ultimately protect them from any harm
My Covid-19 exam experience

My Covid-19 exam experience

I walked into school on the 14th of March to my principle walking around the canteen, telling her students to take all their books home in the event of a closure. Although it seemed very extreme to the worried 6th-year students who had yet to finish many of their courses
Leaving Cert Students: I see you. I hear you. Your struggle is real

Leaving Cert Students: I see you. I hear you. Your struggle is real

I see you. I hear you. Your struggle is real. We’re living in a time of uncertainty and for you, the rollercoaster of uncertainty continues to wind around and around. Fear, guilt, worry, sadness, frustration and disappointment may be just some of the emotions bubbling up
Give Leaving Cert students a real chance

Give Leaving Cert students a real chance

As a 6th year student, I knew that this year would be about as stressful as a year can get. I knew that I would struggle to keep up. I knew that I would have to sacrifice some of my mental wellbeing in order to achieve the results I hope for
“I just need my voice heard”

“I just need my voice heard”

I am a Leaving Certificate student due to sit my exams in July/August. I am extremely unhappy with the decision made to postpone the exams as I fear that if I go to sit them I will contract the virus and spread it to my loved ones at home and potentially kill them
How to help ease Leaving Cert angst

How to help ease Leaving Cert angst

Have you ever had the 'Leaving Cert Nightmare'? It's a common dream many people have when their unconscious revisits the stress of their final school exams
An open letter to Minister for Education

An open letter to Minister for Education

I completely disagree with the decision made regarding the Leaving cert. Right now I think it’s unfair that 17 and 18 year-olds are meant to be immune to the anxiety and panic felt by the whole world at the moment
Covid19 VS Leaving Cert: Procrastination is NOT clarification

Covid19 VS Leaving Cert: Procrastination is NOT clarification

According to the ‘Oxford English Dictionary’, the term ‘procrastination’ can be described as “the action of delaying or postponing something”. In the case of this government in relation to education, they have procrastinated for the previous month in regard to clarification about the Leaving Certificate examinations
Minding your mind with a routine when working from home during Covid19

Minding your mind with a routine when working from home during Covid19

I first began working from home in 2012. As a 23-year-old social media manager for an entertainment website, I began to navigate what quickly became a difficult balancing act of work and home life
How to stop coronavirus anxiety spreading

How to stop coronavirus anxiety spreading

Fiona Brennan shares some insights to help you to stay calm and positive in this turbulent time. Managing an underlying anxiety issue is paramount to staying healthy both physically and mentally
A short course in mental health for election candidates

A short course in mental health for election candidates

It’s not difficult to explain to candidates what the issues are in mental health. Anyone can start with the simple fact that Ireland’s mental health is worse than it needs to be
“I have no friends” video about batting loneliness to make real connections

“I have no friends” video about batting loneliness to make real connections

As we champion being a friend, making real connections and spending time creating shared, in-person experiences
The best present is presence. #justbeafriend this Christmas

The best present is presence. #justbeafriend this Christmas

This December at A Lust for Life, we are promoting we all ‘just be a friend’. Forget the strain of spending a month’s wage on gifts while equally unburdening others to do the same. Embrace simplicity
What the Toy Show taught us about the beauty of vulnerability and emotional connection

What the Toy Show taught us about the beauty of vulnerability and emotional connection

On Friday night, the entire nation and Irish community around the globe tuned in for the annual festivity of the Late Late Toy Show
Comfort Zone: Vulnerability In An Age Of Oversharing An exhibition as part of First Fortnight 2020 – Invitation to submit work

Comfort Zone: Vulnerability In An Age Of Oversharing An exhibition as part of First Fortnight 2020 –...

A Lust For Life is excited to invite artists to submit work for the upcoming group exhibition Comfort Zone: Vulnerability In An Age Of Oversharing
Something ‘still’ in the way

Something ‘still’ in the way

It was April 8th 1994, I still remember with such vividness the news that one of my musical heroes was gone. Kurt Cobain influenced the lives of so many teenagers of my generation. Nirvana’s music translated often what young teenagers at the time couldn’t put into words
Mental Health is not to blame

Mental Health is not to blame

It’s been sad the last few days to look at a hashtag on Twitter #MentalHealthIsNotToBlame and see people laying bare their diagnosis and trauma histories in order to show the world that mental illness does not equal propensity to violence
The long road to pride

The long road to pride

As the glitter settles on the proudest month of all, this video remind us why Pride is so important: ‘The Long Road to Pride’. As a nation, Ireland has come so far in the last 26 years
Bonus Live Episode of Where There’s A Will – Recorded Live at the First Fortnight Festival

Bonus Live Episode of Where There’s A Will – Recorded Live at the First Fortnight Festival

This is a final bonus episode in this season of Where There’s A Will, and was recorded live on Thursday, 17th January
Episode 6 of Where There’s A Will – The Future is Unwritten

Episode 6 of Where There’s A Will – The Future is Unwritten

Every system is built on an invisible foundation, supported by invisible scaffolding, which is our cultural understanding of mental health
60% of college students admit to smartphone addiction – Here’s one tactic to change that

60% of college students admit to smartphone addiction – Here’s one tactic to change that

I had the privilege of speaking to one of my favorite writers a few weeks ago
In two minds – Exploring the bipolar experience

In two minds – Exploring the bipolar experience

After suffering decades of medication-resistant depression, one morning in 2013, at the age of 65, my mother woke up in a manic state
First Fortnight and A Lust for Life Present: Where There’s A Will – Live

First Fortnight and A Lust for Life Present: Where There’s A Will – Live

A Lust for Life’s recent podcast series, Where There’s A Will, has engaged with leaders in mental health and people who have been through the mental health system
Episode 5 of Where There’s A Will – If You Tolerate This

Episode 5 of Where There’s A Will – If You Tolerate This

Children are the most precious and vulnerable members of our society. They are a blank slate – they come into the world with no hang ups, preconceptions, fears or worries
Episode 4 of Where There’s A Will – Stigma

Episode 4 of Where There’s A Will – Stigma

This episode turns the lens on ourselves: Because while the mental health system needs to be fixed, we have to look at our role in that as a society
Episode 3 of Where There’s A Will – Waiting On The World To Change

Episode 3 of Where There’s A Will – Waiting On The World To Change

In this episode, we look at Irish mental health policy. We dive into its details and untangle its logic. We’ll examine our mental health system’s architectural drawings
Episode 2 of Where There’s A Will – System of a Down

Episode 2 of Where There’s A Will – System of a Down

In this episode, we pull back the curtain and see the inner workings of our mental health system, its origins and legacies
Episode 1: Where There’s A Will

Episode 1: Where There’s A Will

We so often hear the message that if you are suffering or having a hard time with your mental health, to just ask for help. The story we don’t often hear is what happens when you do
“I need to recognise the Donald Trump in me”

“I need to recognise the Donald Trump in me”

I’m currently in my second year of my Masters in Mindfulness-Based Interventions, and some of my deepest learning has come through the group discussions
Episode 0: Introducing Where There’s A Will

Episode 0: Introducing Where There’s A Will

In this introductory episode, Paula and Ciara, co-hosts of Where There’s A Will introduce the podcast, talk about the premise behind Where There’s A Will
Announcing: Where There’s A Will

Announcing: Where There’s A Will

A New Podcast Series Tackling Our Mental Health ‘System’. “Better is possible. A Lust for Life have brought together some of the best and brightest in Ireland’s mental health sector to shed some light on the problems
“It’s a lie to say we can’t afford to take care of each other.  It’s the entire point of society.”

“It’s a lie to say we can’t afford to take care of each other. It’s the...

I guess it's World Mental Health Day and we're supposed to have some profound piece of wisdom to share about mental health, this thing that's become decoupled from who we are
Saving lives, one patrol at a timevideo

Saving lives, one patrol at a time

Limerick Suicide Watch is a Suicide Prevention Group formed in May 2016, we patrol the banks of the River Shannon and the 7 bridges in Limerick City helping people who may be in distress or contemplating suicide
It’s the economy, stupid

It’s the economy, stupid

We can’t let economics be the sole driver and measure of success for our society. Until humanity becomes the headliner on the main stage, we will continue to see mental health pushed further down the pecking order
Why me?

Why me?

During the month of the Green Ribbon campaign in May the airwaves were full of discussion about mental health in a wonderful feast of publicity. Many of our member organisations organised events to raise awareness
Pride and mental health

Pride and mental health

Pride is an amazing time for the LGBTI+ community to unite and celebrate our diversity, what we have in common, identity and visibility. Over the years, Pride has been a critical time in the calendar of the community
The time to act is now

The time to act is now

Have you noticed that something is buzzing in the air recently? The face of mental health is changing in Ireland. There’s a collection of people and stories coming to the surface like never before
Start a Conversation

Start a Conversation

Since we founded A Lust for Life, we’ve noticed there’s lots of common ground among the huge numbers of people who write for us about their personal journeys. One major common ground is their need to break a silence
Mental health Stigma: How Far Have We Come?

Mental health Stigma: How Far Have We Come?

The referendum debate proves we have a long way to go to destigmatise mental health in Ireland. Regardless of your viewpoint - the one thing on most Irish people’s minds
The Green Ribbon Campaign: reducing stigma surrounding mental health

The Green Ribbon Campaign: reducing stigma surrounding mental health

In advance of today’s Green Ribbon Campaign launch, A Lust for Life spoke to Celine Moran, head of the Green Ribbon Campaign, with See Change
Time, please! When will enough, really be enough?

Time, please! When will enough, really be enough?

Why do we, a proud people, always ready to defend our rights and those of others, accept such a high threshold when it comes to enduring the harms affected on us
The time for accountability is now

The time for accountability is now

If you were watching last night’s Young and Troubled documentary on RTE One, you’re probably still pretty shaken up today. You’re probably feeling angry, and helpless, and hopeless
The commodification of calm in a cauldron of chaos

The commodification of calm in a cauldron of chaos

Four or five years ago, the beverage market was flooded with high caffeine energy drinks that claimed to allow its consumers keep up with the fast past demands of a dynamic modern world
Breaking the codes of disconnection – One teacher’s strategy of trying to prevent school shootings

Breaking the codes of disconnection – One teacher’s strategy of trying to prevent school shootings

Following the latest school shooting in Florida there has been lots of discussion on how authorities can pick up
Take part in Mental Health Ireland’s Smiley Pancake Campaign today!

Take part in Mental Health Ireland’s Smiley Pancake Campaign today!

Every time you smile you are fighting off stress and anxiety and boosting your mood. That’s why Mental Health Ireland is asking everyone to make their pancake smile today
How incorporating #SoundEffect in our school helped our wellbeing culture to thrive

How incorporating #SoundEffect in our school helped our wellbeing culture to thrive

Wooden chairs, drab uniforms, thick books full of theory and tough-as-nails teachers
‘Grief is a hell of a price to pay for love’ – RTÉ’s Brian O’Connell on losing a loved one to suicide

‘Grief is a hell of a price to pay for love’ – RTÉ’s Brian O’Connell on losing...

In a new programme on RTE Radio 1 on December 29th, at 4pm, RTÉ broadcaster Brian O’Connell (@oconnellbrian) reflects on the loss of his close friend, musician Brian Carey
Time to Soar – Why being a teenager is one of the most challenging yet powerful times in our lives

Time to Soar – Why being a teenager is one of the most challenging yet powerful times...

Megan Byrne is a Facilitator in Training with The Soar Foundation which is a collective movement which believes that there is greatness within all young people
Launch of report by Taskforce on Youth Mental Health a failed opportunity

Launch of report by Taskforce on Youth Mental Health a failed opportunity

Mental Health Reform, the national coalition on mental health, has today called the launch of the report by the Taskforce on Youth Mental Health a failed opportunity
We must have conscious conversations with our young people on sexual violence in the midst of #MeToo

We must have conscious conversations with our young people on sexual violence in the midst of #MeToo

There is a sea change happening of late. Women have been stepping forward and taking up well deserved space
Politicians must earn trust if the youth majority are ever going to engage with the system

Politicians must earn trust if the youth majority are ever going to engage with the system

Sitting on my flight home from Brussels after addressing the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani on behalf of A Lust for Life
The Volunteers – ‘Why are people allowed to be wounded everywhere except their mind?’

The Volunteers – ‘Why are people allowed to be wounded everywhere except their mind?’

I lost five of my students to suicide in my first five years of teaching. I am marked. Darkened, lessened, wounded and numbed
The Volunteers – ‘I’ve learned that every day has to be lived to the fullest’

The Volunteers – ‘I’ve learned that every day has to be lived to the fullest’

I am very grateful to have been a part of an extremely powerful project ‘The Volunteers’ formulated by the knowledgeable and passionate Joe Caslin
The Volunteers – ‘In troubled times support can come from unexpected places’

The Volunteers – ‘In troubled times support can come from unexpected places’

I'll always remember laying upside-down, half hanging off my bed staring up at the ceiling in my private room (don’t get any ideas of elitism here, I was put in a room by myself because I was too disruptive on the ward)
Mental Health Reform acknowledges additional commitment of funding for mental health services in 2019

Mental Health Reform acknowledges additional commitment of funding for mental health services in 2019

Mental Health Reform today acknowledged receipt of a letter committing to the full €105M
Government fails to deliver promised funding for mental health in budget 2018

Government fails to deliver promised funding for mental health in budget 2018

Mental Health Reform, the national coalition on mental health, has today expressed dismay that the Government will allocate just €15M of additional funding
Why mental health needs investment in Budget 2018

Why mental health needs investment in Budget 2018

New information highlighted in the Dáil in recent days shows just how bad things are in our mental health services: 2,908 children and adolescents waiting for a first appointment
Man’s game: Challenging masculine myths in sport and life

Man’s game: Challenging masculine myths in sport and life

Sport has long served as an arena for political and social debate so it has been no surprise that football of both the American and European codes
All politics and no policy implementation: it’s time to harness the power of the people

All politics and no policy implementation: it’s time to harness the power of the people

It’s been just over a year since I returned to the shores of the emerald isle after three years living and working abroad. A card-carrying member of generation emigration
How being in recovery helped me to succeed in business

How being in recovery helped me to succeed in business

9 years ago I was not in a good place. I was feeling very lonely, tired and my confidence was at an all-time low. I had done the travelling bit when I was younger, my partying etc
Political snakes and ladders approach to mental health must end

Political snakes and ladders approach to mental health must end

Once again we find ourselves in a place where due to a change of leadership in our governing party Fine Gael, there is the inevitable yet totally destabilising cabinet reshuffle
Report highlights need for homeless people to have 24/7 access to mental health services

Report highlights need for homeless people to have 24/7 access to mental health services

Mental Health Reform and the Dublin Simon Community have just launched a joint research report
A Lust For Life | Mental Health Charity Ireland
URGENT HELP
A Lust for Life does not provide crisis support, so if you or someone you are concerned about is in crisis and needs help urgently, please contact:
Pieta House
PIETA HOUSE
1800 247 247
..........................................................................................................................
Samaritans
SAMARITANS
116 123 (ROI & UK)
Childline
...........................................................................................................................
CHILDLINE
1800 666666
A Lust For Life | Mental Health Charity Ireland
URGENT HELP
A Lust for Life does not provide crisis support, so if you or someone you are concerned about is in crisis and needs help urgently, please contact
Pieta House
PIETA HOUSE
1800 247 247
.........................................................................
Childline
SAMARITANS
116 123 (ROI & UK)
.........................................................................
Samaritans
CHILDLINE
1800 666666
Howaya! We hope you’re enjoying A Lust for Life.
While you are here… can we ask you a favour?
We know, pop ups are absolutely no craic. But seeing as you are here anyway, which means you must be a sound head, we thought we’d tap you on the shoulder and ask for your help.
Make a one-time or regular donation
We rely on the generosity of the public to fund our work and so far together we have achieved great things! Please do continue to support us so we can provide future generations in Ireland with the resources to recognise and talk about their emotions, and equip them to navigate the ever-changing world around them as they grow.
Howaya! We hope you’re enjoying A Lust for Life. While you are here… can we ask you a favour?
We know, we know, pop ups are absolutely no craic. But seeing as you are here anyway, which means you must be a sound head, we thought we’d tap you on the shoulder and ask for your help.
We rely on the generosity of the public to fund our work and so far together we have achieved great things! Please do continue to support us so we can provide future generations in Ireland with the resources to recognise and talk about their emotions, and equip them to navigate the ever-changing world around them as they grow.
Make a one-time or regular donation