Voice

Depression – An open letter to someone struggling

Depression – An open letter to someone struggling

Depression. That word we throw around so easily nowadays. That word we use to describe anything from a bad day to an overwhelming inability to live life. But as anyone with depression knows, it is much more than any one word
Overcoming anxiety to accomplish my first 5k run with A Lust for Life

Overcoming anxiety to accomplish my first 5k run with A Lust for Life

I woke to the sound of my alarm, snoozed it about 3 times and struggled to get out of bed which meant I was already running behind schedule for the Vhi A Lust For Life run which took place in Phoenix Park recently
Looking after my mental health after losing my Mother

Looking after my mental health after losing my Mother

Battling mental health problems since childhood has never been an easy task. Living with Schizophrenia has become something I have spent my life accepting and adjusting to. From the age of four I have endlessly fought with demons
Mental fitness and the battle of becoming a positive me

Mental fitness and the battle of becoming a positive me

Make no mistake; my use of the term “Mental fitness” does not derive from a lack of comfort of the term mental health. Coming from a GAA background my logic is simple, mental fitness implies that our state of mentality must be worked on
The loss of my sister – A journey of grief and beyond

The loss of my sister – A journey of grief and beyond

My 33 year old sister died last August, shattering my life as I knew it. She’d been battling alcoholism and depression for years. She was on a lot of medication (which to me, just exacerbated her struggles) self-harmed
Running is my therapy

Running is my therapy

On Saturday, I ran the Vhi A Lust for Life 5k in the Phoenix Park. I was honoured to be interviewed by Karl Fitzgerald, a leader of the A Lust for Life – Runners’ Page, and was asked about why I run, and why I was taking part
How a support group helped save my life

How a support group helped save my life

I am 28 years old. I have a brilliant family. Supportive friends. An amazing fiancé. A permanent job in what I have always wanted to be since I was a little girl. I have what people would say, a fantastic life
‘Talking about your mental health is attention seeking!’ and other untruths

‘Talking about your mental health is attention seeking!’ and other untruths

I want to write my story because recently I’ve encountered the attitude that talking about your mental health is attention seeking. This is absolutely not true
How I became friends with my mind again – from OCD to meditation

How I became friends with my mind again – from OCD to meditation

Your mind can be your best friend or worst enemy. To me I had a normal life, working late hours as an accountant overwhelmed by stress
Asperger Syndrome – Invisible challenges and hidden gifts

Asperger Syndrome – Invisible challenges and hidden gifts

Asperger Syndrome can be a complex condition with no two people the same, although many people experience similarities in the difficulties they face
My journey of awakening to know that it’s okay not to feel okay, and to ask for help

My journey of awakening to know that it’s okay not to feel okay, and to ask for...

In April 2014 I enrolled for the first three days of a fourteen day cycle, with Cycle Against Suicide. I had a general empathy with the focus of the cycle
Revelation on the mountain – healed by the beauty of nature

Revelation on the mountain – healed by the beauty of nature

On one of those balmy days in April, 2015, I received a message. "You free for a short walk?" my friend, Mag had texted. Swift and sure-footed as a mountain goat, she sped
WRAP me up – Keep me safe

WRAP me up – Keep me safe

Before I had a Crisis Plan™, I was detained (sectioned) because I couldn’t communicate properly with health staff while at crisis point. When I’m well, I am soft spoken and articulate. When unwell due to an episode of mental health illness
No hair, do care: a personal view on hair loss during breast cancer treatment

No hair, do care: a personal view on hair loss during breast cancer treatment

Tackling Breast Cancer treatment, the approach by which we face it is so very individual. When described, many use the ‘fight’ word which is true in many ways
‘See you in two minutes, Ma!’ A mother writes her story of losing her son to suicide

‘See you in two minutes, Ma!’ A mother writes her story of losing her son to suicide

‘See you in two minutes, Ma!’ The words echoed in the hallway as the front door closed and re-opened in a burst followed by a trundling of long legs up the stairs and down again as quickly
Beautiful letter from a Mum who has battled depression to her 1 year old son

Beautiful letter from a Mum who has battled depression to her 1 year old son

Dear Joshua, a year ago, you decided to enter into this world. You weren't due until the end of March, but you arrived early for a reason. You knew that I was struggling
Gambling with life

Gambling with life

Standing on the edge of a bridge wondering where your life is heading, all you can see are the negatives. You talk to yourself, you put yourself down, a few seconds of pain will end a few years of complete and utter destruction of your mind
Coping with panic attacks after being raped – my experience

Coping with panic attacks after being raped – my experience

Trigger Warning. If you have been affected by sexual violence please phone the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre National 24-Hour Helpline 1800 77 8888 or contact Rape Crises Network Ireland
How I changed the cycle of chronic pain and created The Ass Movement

How I changed the cycle of chronic pain and created The Ass Movement

March 2013, it was a typical weekend where I went out and got absolutely black out drunk. This is something I had done from the age of 17 nearly every single weekend until then (I was 26 years old in 2013)
My Jealousy: A Battle with Perfectionism

My Jealousy: A Battle with Perfectionism

Grainne is a career woman who is well respected and known in her field. She is perceived to be irreplaceable in her job and does it with ease, positivity and everyone likes her. Shes is in a loving relationship and recently got approved for her mortgage
A false sense of insecurity – Learning to cope with anxiety

A false sense of insecurity – Learning to cope with anxiety

There is a powerful line in the film Good Will Hunting when Robin Williams tells Matt Damon 'you can do anything you want in this world, you are bound by nothing'
Growing Up With Addiction in the Home

Growing Up With Addiction in the Home

As far back as I can remember my mother was an alcoholic. I would wait at school for her to collect me, filled with dread of what would greet me when I hopped in the car. She would often pick me up from school drunk
Body image: The protein kids

Body image: The protein kids

On men lifting weights: “Very strange generation gap, it’s just a fashion, it’s a fad.” – Economist David McWilliams in the Irishman Abroad Podcast November 2015
Men, look after your mental health – speak up and take action today

Men, look after your mental health – speak up and take action today

This is something we hear about all the time when it comes to men; they keep their problems to themselves and don’t speak up and seek help because it might affect their macho image
Depression, a story of acceptance

Depression, a story of acceptance

I choked the first time I said it aloud. It was the beginning of the Christmas holidays and I was relieved to have a two week break from Leaving Certificate stress. I was in my bedroom with the girl I had been friends with since Junior Infants
Running – The hub in the centre of my life

Running – The hub in the centre of my life

I have come to believe running is as much a spiritual experience as a physical one, and the older I get the more convinced I become of the importance of this grain of truth
Dig deep, reach out and exercise your way through the tough times

Dig deep, reach out and exercise your way through the tough times

I was always a happy guy, glass half full, never half empty. Things happened to other people, not to me and I always could take care of it - whatever it happened to be
Your body loves you – The other side of an eating disorder

Your body loves you – The other side of an eating disorder

Few months ago I started college and that incurred understandable anxiety as I am in a new place with new people. I noticed my anorexia began to flare up
No longer running away

No longer running away

I used to be a runner. I used to write this cool running blog; I was one of the most driven, ambitious people you were likely to meet. I had a vision of a new career, making a fresh start as a personal trainer
Stopping my panic attacks before they hit

Stopping my panic attacks before they hit

I was sitting on the bus with my family watching the world go by when everything would suddenly get too much. Loud noises became deafening. Bright lights became blinding
A young Mum’s fight against a breast cancer diagnosis – navigating the darkness to live amongst the stars

A young Mum’s fight against a breast cancer diagnosis – navigating the darkness to live amongst the...

Two months ago, I was diagnosed with stage 2, Her2 positive Breast Cancer. Clearly they got that wrong
Finding your soul: An inner journey towards positive mental health

Finding your soul: An inner journey towards positive mental health

Thanks to the A Lust for Life reader who emailed us in their story. “I wanted to share my story with A Lust for Life readers with the hope that it could support other people out there who might be going through a tough time like I did.”
The story behind why I don’t have any more children

The story behind why I don’t have any more children

Admitting infertility to yourself is probably a time in your life where you see yourself at your most raw. I am so lucky to have a little boy who fills my life but he is my only child, not through choice
Living with schizophrenia

Living with schizophrenia

I have suffered from schizophrenia since I was 26 years old. I had my first psychotic episode then. I can only describe it as a terrifying experience
Keeping anxiety a secret makes it thrive

Keeping anxiety a secret makes it thrive

When I had my first major anxiety attack it took me completely by surprise. Yes, I’d felt nervous in the past but really only natural nerves, the kind you get before a big presentation or job interview
Type two bipolar disorder and me

Type two bipolar disorder and me

My name is Charlene. I am a stay at home Mum to three boys. I am originally from Liverpool and am a huge fan of Liverpool Football Club. I have Type 2 Bipolar Disorder
Going against what and who you are is torture

Going against what and who you are is torture

‘I am not what I am.’ These words come from Othello, a play I studied for my leaving cert. They are birthed from the most malignant villain in literature
‘I’m a single Dad living with anxiety’

‘I’m a single Dad living with anxiety’

Understanding depression, anxiety or any of that bad stuff is like understanding any chronic illness
A reboot of the mind

A reboot of the mind

As this story unfolds, my mind seems cleaner. It's not working overtime and it's not demanding me to think hazardous thoughts
Secret Diary of an Agoraphobic

Secret Diary of an Agoraphobic

I was just like any typical 21 year old when I had my first panic attack. I was in the process of moving from Waterford to Dublin
Gambling addiction – from the other side

Gambling addiction – from the other side

Thanks to the writer of this personal story for emailing it in to A Lust for Life. She felt it important to express from her side how difficult she found it, and still finds it
The Bottom Of The Glass: Alcohol and Mental Health

The Bottom Of The Glass: Alcohol and Mental Health

Irish adults binge drink more than their counterparts in any other European country
Time (and other infuriating societal attitudes to infertility)…The Great Healer!

Time (and other infuriating societal attitudes to infertility)…The Great Healer!

A must read blog from A Lust For Life reader illustrating the emotional, mental and physical distress of their journey through infertility and it’s various treatments
Dreaming above 2000m

Dreaming above 2000m

A mist is surrounding my eyes as water begins to fall. Gasping for breath as my mind tries to figure out that final piece…
My steps to recovery and how to avoid relapse from an eating disorder

My steps to recovery and how to avoid relapse from an eating disorder

For the past six years of my life I have been living with an eating disorder which also caused depression and anxiety
Road to recovery from gambling addiction

Road to recovery from gambling addiction

Read this Offaly forward’s deeply personal story of the desperate power of gambling addiction and also some advice on how to pull yourself out of it
How did we get here? The Loss of a Child to SUDC And Subsequent Parenthood

How did we get here? The Loss of a Child to SUDC And Subsequent Parenthood

This is a powerful personal story written by Stephanie O’Loughlin on how she coped with the loss of her son Patrick to SUDC – Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood
Healing from sexual abuse

Healing from sexual abuse

One of our readers at A Lust For Life sent in this personal post on her recovery methods for her mental health issues
From Struggling with ADHD to Turning it into My Greatest Gift

From Struggling with ADHD to Turning it into My Greatest Gift

Get to better understand ADHD by a man who uses it to give him an edge
Art journaling

Art journaling

People have kept art journals for centuries. We have all heard of the adage, ‘an image speaks a thousand words’, so by selecting an image, cutting and pasting it into one’s journal can become the trigger to recognise
For A Minute There I Lost Myself… Drowning in Motherhood

For A Minute There I Lost Myself… Drowning in Motherhood

If you find yourself overwhelmed and struggling with pre or post-natal anxieties – check in with your support people
“All we can do now is pray” – How my hero Dad gave me hope during the marriage referendum

“All we can do now is pray” – How my hero Dad gave me hope during the...

When the government announced a date for the marriage referendum you could feel a collective inhalation as the LGBT community steeled itself for the onslaught
Severe Anxiety Disorder and Tips for Coping day-to-day

Severe Anxiety Disorder and Tips for Coping day-to-day

A powerful story by one of our readers. Thank you for sharing your story and tips Daniel
Anxiety Resources that have worked for me

Anxiety Resources that have worked for me

A fantastic and very thorough piece that lists some useful resources and treatments to explore on your journey with anxiety
Understanding Self Harm

Understanding Self Harm

Thank you so much to A Lust For Life reader for this contribution on self-harm and depression
My Sister’s Keeper – Living with a Sibling with Mental Illness

My Sister’s Keeper – Living with a Sibling with Mental Illness

With effective long-term clinical management of her illness, nearly 20 years after her overdose my sister is doing well
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.
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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