Mental Health

Podcast: Burnout is nothing to be ashamed of – Mental health in the workplace

Dr. Malie Coyne

To mark the importance of 'Mental Health in the Workplace', which is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017, here is my podcast with the amazing Ciara Plunkett

Five ways to wellbeing at work – 5,000 steps to wellbeing walk

Mental Health Ireland

Mental Health Week (9-14th October) presents all of us with an opportunity to think about our own wellbeing and those we spend time with

Helping children overcome a traumatic event

Dr. Malie Coyne

It is with great sadness that I write this piece in the aftermath of yet another tragic event which was beyond devastating for those who lost their lives

Stop feeding the troll – How anxiety resembles shitposting, clickbait and trolling

Stewart Geddes

I was reading an article the other day on ‘Shitposting’ (outlined below for those of you who don’t know what it is), and it struck me how similar the phenomenon is

The pressure to live up to expectations denies us the gift of living mindfully

Sarah Billington

In late August of 2009 I was involved in organising an alternative therapies fundraising day for a children’s arts festival

The benefits and practices of Mindful Self Compassion and Loving Kindness

Fiona O'Donnell, The Mindfulness Centre

When we start to practice mindfulness and notice where the mind is going, we can be surprised to hear how harsh our inner critic can be

How to help children with chronic pain

Helen O’Neill

Chronic pain is a common complaint in childhood and adolescence affecting between 15-30% of children. Recurrent abdominal pain, tension headaches and musculoskeletal pain are the most common types of pain

Stress management – How to deal with the day from hell

Neil O’Brien

It seems odd to be sitting here writing about stress when it’s a warm sunny summer’s day outside. But I guess stress doesn’t take the summer off

Positive Psychology | Exercises for building happiness – Part 2

Arran Kennedy

To measure and build happiness in a systematic way researchers have broken down happiness into five areas under the acronym PERMA

How to deal with anxiety

Fiona Brennan

Tip 1 - Understand that anxiety is not your fault. Why are we collectively dealing with so much anxiety? Understanding the roots of your anxiety is essential and also realising that it is not your fault is the first step

Coping with anxiety while loving your partner as well

Todd Griffin

Entering into a relationship with someone requires you to be open, honest, and supportive of your partner. While these may sound simple enough, for those coping with anxiety

The grief of losing my husband, mindfulness and me

Sarah Billington

The request. Write a blog for Mindfulness Matters. My reaction – blind panic, doubt, feelings of inadequacy and the urge to say no straight away – to take the easy way out

Positive Psychology | Exercises for building happiness – Part 1

Arran Kennedy

The pursuit of happiness has occupied humans for millennia – whether creating ancient Greek schools of philosophy, inspiring the United States Declaration of Independence

Therapists have bad days too

Caroline Murphy

So, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. Counsellors, therapists and everyone else you meet can have good days and bad days. Long before I trained as a therapist I had this misguided belief

Tips on managing your ‘inner voice’ self-talk

Dr. Olivia Hurley

As a sport and performance psychologist, I am frequently asked by athletes and other performers, ‘How can I control that little voice in my head, so that it helps my performance?’

Lack of rest and renewal is a one way ticket to burnout

Peter Connolly

At first rest seems straightforward, as it is often defined by the absence of work, lying down or doing nothing at all. However contemporary thinking and research

Mindfulness holiday tips – they work when you’re not on holiday too!

Padraig O'Morain

Whether you holiday with others or alone, mindfulness can make the experience better. Pack these tips - some are from my book Mindfulness on the Go - in your travel bag

What if the first question your doctor asked you was “What are you eating?”

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee

“WHAT ARE YOU EATING?” is the question I ask every patient who walks through my door. For mental health, the nutrients you put in your mouth have a profound impact

Depression and relationships – What you can do to retain intimacy when depressed

Emma Doyle

If you are depressed your relationship can also become depressed. Depression can wreak havoc on your ability to experience and maintain intimacy within your relationship

Intimacy; Connecting without fear

Geraldine Mulpeter

When I think of every person in this world I imagine a vast inter-connected series of lines, a bit like a rail system grid, interlocking and weaving in and out and all around. Stop whatever it is you are doing and look around you

How to recruit your negative emotions as allies so you feel bad less often

Arran Kennedy

How to train your dragon. Fury, hurt, confused, afraid, sad, anxious, guilty, ashamed, resentful, agitated, annoyed, fatigued, inadequate, scared, helpless, disgusted

A note on social anxiety and school success as the Leaving Cert approaches

Anne McCormack

The more time I spend with young people, the more I notice that the school system seems to reflect where we are at as a society

Making choices with head and heart

Angela Amirault

Life isn’t easy. Our day to day experiences are enough to make us feel anxious and overwhelmed. That stress and anxiety increases as we struggle to find a balance between what our head says and what our heart wants

Building self-esteem: Challenging guilt

Karl Melvin

The factors which influence our self-worth varies MASSIVELY. It can range from “Biological” considerations, such as not being comfortable with our own bodies or being judged for how we look

Turning softly towards your pain rather than avoiding it brings great solace

Niall Breslin

Recently I have just completed an 8 week mindfulness based stress reduction programme with my trainer Fiona at the Mindfulness centre in Dublin

Nourish your mental health – Cut back on sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine

Dr. Lorna Doyle

When talking about nutrition I like to view the human body similar to a car, our brain is like the car’s engine, our food like the car’s fuel

Compassionate parenting – a container for anger, anxiety, guilt, shame and worry

Bethan O’Riordan

Parenting is a mixed bag. At any one time in can be exciting, tiring, frustrating, over-whelming, thrilling and just flipping hard work

How flow experiences centre us in the present and detach us from the stresses of the past

Dr. Mark Rowe

As a medical doctor, I often meet people who are overwhelmed with negative stress and anxiety

Mindfulness in the classroom – how it can address stress for teacher and pupil too

Kay Murphy

I have just finished teaching an 8 week mindfulness course to a group of 16 year olds and am struck by the richness of learning, genuine communication and bonding

The importance of looking after your own wellbeing as a cancer carer

Sinéad Gordon Lynch

“You have cancer”. These are words one in three Irish people will hear, causing inevitably distress both for the individual patient and the entire family system

The power of meaningful communication

Christina M Penney

“If you do not use your words, I don’t know how I can help you.” I hear myself saying this over and over to my children. In truth we all could do with a little reminding to productively express ourselves, to relinquish all those fears, resentments

How dysfunctional is your dysfunctional family?

Karl Melvin

I have yet to meet anyone who thinks their family is “normal”. When I discuss anything to do with dysfunctional families, I’m always fascinated by the range of responses

How to use the Golden Rule to help address your stress at work

Maureen Cooper

Evolution shows us that our stress response was designed to ensure the continuation of our species. If a zebra is attacked by a lion it knows it must run faster than the lion

Practical tips for parents to help keep children safer online

Cliona Curley

Over the last year, we have spoken directly to thousands of children as well as many of their parents, teachers and school principals

Steps to support you getting through your anxiety

Janice Killey

Anxiety is a common natural reaction to a potential threat or fear which you haven’t experienced before. While common it places your body into a heightened state

Teachers – How to manage the anxiety of the ‘Sunday Night Dread!’

Ann-Marie Ireland

‘Living for the weekend’ is a phrase so often and too often used by teachers all across the country and whilst it can be quite a humorous statement

My daughter disappeared

Freada McGoldrick

In 2003, when my daughter was 15 she began to disappear. What do I mean by that? After all she was in the middle of her teen years and there were bound to be a few bumps along the way, or so it seemed

Mindfulness Program: Week 4 of a 4 Week Introduction to Mindfulness

Fiona O'Donnell, The Mindfulness Centre

Welcome to the final week of the 4 Week Introduction to Mindfulness. If you have done any of the meditation practices or home practice exercises

Let go of unwanted past conditioning to tap into your full potential

Fiona Brennan

Many of us spend so much of our conscious and subconscious neural energy on rumination, doubt, worry, stress and concern. These negative emotions literally zap our brains

Being honest with yourself is key to living life to the fullest

Marcus Clarke

Are you honest with yourself? You probably are having a hard time answering this question because you know you are not or aren’t sure what being honest with yourself really means

Managing anxiety conditions in the workplace

Francis Cleary

I have covered previously how social anxiety disorder can have a significant impact in the workplace, including avoiding interactions with other employees

What is ‘Music Therapy’?

Dr. Tríona McCaffrey

Music therapy is a topic that often prompts intrigue and wonder. While music is a familiar and accessible art form, its therapeutic applications may be less recognised, particularly in relation to contemporary allied health practice

Mindfulness Program: Week 3 of a 4 Week Introduction to Mindfulness

Fiona O'Donnell, The Mindfulness Centre

Welcome to Week 3 of this 4 Week mindfulness blog. If you got a chance to practice the meditation practice this week and home practice exercises, well done!

Mindfulness Program: Week 2 of a 4 Week Introduction to Mindfulness

Fiona O'Donnell, The Mindfulness Centre

Welcome to Week 2 of this 4 Week Introduction to Mindfulness. If you started the daily meditation practice of the 10 minute Breath & Body last week

Why we need to re-think our approach to developing children’s self-esteem

Fiona Forman

Over the past number of years, parents and educators have increasingly focused on children’s self-esteem and how to boost it

Let’s stop the collective shame every January – It’s tough enough

Karen Sugrue

A client once described her struggle with depression as having a room in her mind that holds all the dark, black, stinking tar-like poison in the universe

Mindfulness Program: Week 1 of a 4 Week Introduction to Mindfulness

Fiona O'Donnell, The Mindfulness Centre

Welcome to Week 1 of this 4 Week Introduction to Mindfulness, so whether you’re a complete beginner and curious about learning more

Mindfulness training, the benefits, the research and free resources for starting a daily practice

Fiona O'Donnell, The Mindfulness Centre

We are hearing so much about mindfulness at the moment, but what is it and does it really work?

Mindfulness, a modern mind’s ally

Niall Breslin

If I were to say to you, tomorrow morning, I want you to get out of bed at 7/8am, and I want you to put on some running gear and a pair of runners

The power of reconnection

Niall Breslin

When I heard that my childhood friend’s Dad had passed away it ignited a confusing fusion of hazy nostalgic sentiment, unsettling legacies and customary sympathy

New Year Plan: Be Real

Anne McCormack

The new year has begun and as a fan of not making specific resolutions, I have spent some time instead reflecting on how I wish to be in the world this year

Social isolation – Reconnecting with society

Karl Melvin

I recently gave a mental health talk to a group of dairy farmers, during which I discussed some of the common sources of stress they face on a daily basis

Make this the year you reawaken your Lust for Life

Dr. Olivia Hurley

Many of us at the start of 2017 make some decisions to change aspects of our lives in an effort to achieve a better sense of general health and well-being

After the struggle of suicide I’m shining a light of hope this Christmas

Caroline McGuigan

I have always had a very mixed relationship with Christmas. It is both one of excitement and anticipation

Christmas time and PTSD – How to cope?

Jennifer Hill

Many people are not the same after undergoing a trauma. Despite the efforts and expectations of people around you trying to normalise every situation

Have yourself a conscious Christmas

Fiona Brennan

In the days and weeks running up to Christmas, it is easy to understand why many of us lose sight of the true essence of this wonderful, winter celebration and what it is really about

S.O.A.R. beyond the stress – Food for thought for working parents

Gillian McGrath

It’s hard being a working parent - being a parent full stop. The working part adds another dimension of chaos

How art therapy helped me heal from addiction

Andy Macia

It came to a point when addiction was all I ever knew, but it wasn’t always like that

Defence mechanisms – is it time to say goodbye to the unconscious forces stopping you?

David Foot

Most of us are familiar with the concept of defence mechanisms - it’s the kind of phrase that’s familiar but somehow meaningless

How to rewire negative loops of thinking to nurture a more mindful mentality

Anne McCormack

On the whole, people seem more busy than ever before and that includes me too. I work as a Psychotherapist, I am finishing off my first book, and I have three young kids

A year in the Life

Niall Breslin

A Lust for Life turned one year old on October 1st, and it has just been announced that we are a recipient of a prestigious Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact award

We need to talk – why try therapy?

David Foot

Many people would have you believe that talking about your problems and feelings will help you, particularly if those feelings are overwhelming you

My experience with self-care apps

Jeffrey Lin

I’d like to get this out of the way immediately: I’m not a doctor, nor do I think smartphone apps are capable of replacing professional treatment for any mental health challenge

Tips to cope with stress in the work place

Edward Wade

Unfortunately, workplace stress hits us all. Some stress is normal; it is part of an everyday working life. It can even be used to our advantage at times

Worry AKA the crazy sh*t you think about

Karl Melvin

No one chooses to worry. It is a primal attempt to protect us from life's worst case scenarios. A little worry is okay. It encourages us to think problems through and be prepared

Why caring for your needs first is not selfish

Fiona Brennan

The importance of establishing a self-care routine that meets your mental, physical, emotional and psychological needs is paramount to your own well-being and those that you love

Cabhrú – Mental health support for the Irish abroad

Lochlann Scott

Helplink Support Services (Helplink.ie) is joining forces with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA to launch Cabhrú

Online pornography and young minds

Anne McCormack

When it comes to the existence of mobile devices and their prominent role in young people’s lives, one thing that we need to all be aware of

A blog by teachers for teachers: Looking at real problems and solutions

Ann-Marie Ireland

So, it’s that time of year again where the summer has drawn to a close and we as teachers have started a new school year

A Lust for Life at Electric Picnic: The future is unwritten

Shane Gillen

There is no denying that the discussion surrounding mental health in Ireland is ever-evolving. We have come to terms with the fact that people are suffering

Meet Nikki and Lisa, the mental health heroes cycling 2,150km non-stop around Ireland

A Lust For Life - Irish Mental Health Charity

Lisa Jacob, a former Irish International Hockey player with 139 caps, and Nikki Dorey a pilot with Aer Lingus and competitive triathlete, are the first all-female duo to cycle the gruelling ultra-distance of 2,150km non-stop Race Around Ireland

The darkness never came

Niall Breslin

The Wednesday before I left for Copenhagen I went out for a light jog to clear my head and also keep my legs ticking over. Throughout the week my calf muscles had been threatening to cramp at the slightest attempt of exercise

Challenging societal roles

Karl Melvin

We all adopt and identify with specific roles in life, whether it's mother/father, brother/sister, etc. As we get older, these roles may halt our ability to understand our own needs and find healthy ways to get those needs met

Fu@k Failure

Niall Breslin

So here I am in race week, just before Ironman Copenhagen 2016 kick off this Sunday. For the final two weeks before an endurance event such as this you’re training plan volume drops dramatically as your muscles, joints and energy levels replenish before the race

Looking back to move forward

Niall Breslin

The night before the Ironman event in Copenhagen two years ago we all went to get food to bring back and eat in the apartment we had rented through Airbnb. I knew it was a pointless venture to even try and eat, as the acid in my throat brought on from a sustained and merciless unrelenting week

Mental health, couple relationships and intimacy – Managing difficult emotions

Anne McCormack

It is true, I believe, that no-one outside of yourself should be the source of your joy and so if you are in a relationship with someone, it is good and healthy that you don’t need to be around that person all the time in order to feel happy

Back to School: 4 activities for teachers to use to nurture children’s well-being

Fiona Forman

As the summer holidays draw to a close, children and teachers are starting to look ahead to the new school year with the usual mix of anticipation, excitement and a certain amount of nerves!

Tactics to prevent rumination becoming your ruination

Padraig O'Morain

Rumination is ruination is a phrase I repeat to myself every now and then. Rumination means brooding over and over on negative events in the past, present or future

Why are many of us living stressed lives, rather than thriving?

Fiona Brennan

Until the birth of the Positive Psychology movement, most psychologists concerned themselves with fixing unhappiness, anxiety, stress and depression

What you need to know about the sexting talk with your tween

Hilary Smith

Do you remember when your parents gave you the “birds and the bees” talk? Chances are it was awkward and uncomfortable. Fast forward a few years

Understanding and supporting your teenager

Karl Melvin

”I’m too old to get back into football”, remarked my 16 year old client. This was a smart guy with so much going for him, but he was struggling in school as he wasn’t getting along with one of his teachers

How you can help young people break through societal constructs of ‘the perfect body’

Anne McCormack

Summertime, like the New Year is a time when fitness comes into focus. Fitness is extremely important for health, both physical health and mental health

Mental health laid bare – Dublin City FM Dr. Malie Coyne interviews Katherine Lynch

Dr. Malie Coyne

There are a lot of different messages about mental health in the public domain and in the media. Equally there are many organisations carrying out incredible work

Parenting is a blessing and self care is essential

Kay Murphy

Whatever way we come to parenthood; planned, unplanned, IVF, surrogacy, fostering, adoption or other means; we know we are blessed, and bravely set off on a lifelong journey

You are more than your IQ: The importance of emotional intelligence

Katie McBeth

For years - centuries, really - the best determining factor for a person’s intelligence was through their logical assessment of the world, or rational intelligence

Dealing with feelings that don’t have labels

Jose Leon

In today's age, we're surrounded by information that focuses on dealing with anxiety attacks, lowering stress levels, and living with depression

Mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy workshops for schools

Lynn Agnew

Some food for thought… maybe our minds should come first? In recent years there has been an increased level of awareness and discussion in Ireland

The Power of Words: Sensitive ways to talk about mental health difficulties

Dr. Patricia Frazer

The 20th century saw a revolution in how mental health difficulties were perceived and discussed, both by health professionals and by the public

Shields up: Protecting yourself from external criticism

Karl Melvin

You look like shit, commented a friend recently. He was probably right. Having made drastic nutritional changes to resolve a long standing digestion issue

Are your thoughts driving you crazy? Coming back to your ‘senses’ will help

Carol Redmond

When we are experiencing less than good mental health, we tend to use phrases such as, 'I think I'm going mad', 'my head is wrecked', and ‘I think there's something wrong with me'

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