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7 Questions to ask when you don’t know what to do with your life

7 Questions to ask when you don’t know what to do with your life

Janet Miller
Every day is a new chance to make a change. Eventually, every person in this world will have to make a decision about what to do with their lives
To live, I had no choice but to make friends with my depression

To live, I had no choice but to make friends with my depression

Jennifer Coleman
As I lift my head and say a silent prayer I hope beyond hope that God is listening. I'm not very religious and definitely only go to mass when it’s expected
Dealing with feelings that don’t have labels

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
Help, is anybody listening?

Help, is anybody listening?

Mairead Healy
Four years ago, I faced the tragedy facing so many families in Ireland today, when suicide came to our front door
I’m no longer ashamed of my depression – surviving it is a massive triumph

I’m no longer ashamed of my depression – surviving it is a massive triumph

Deirdre Clohessy
I feel it’s time to share my story in the best way I know how and that’s writing it down. I write a lot but I have never had the courage to write about this topic out of fear of the judgement
Are your thoughts driving you crazy? Coming back to your ‘senses’ will help

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'
Future of teenage mental health depends on finding out WHY

Future of teenage mental health depends on finding out WHY

Andrew Mcginley
1 in 3 young people in Ireland will experience some type of mental disorder by the age of 13. By the age of 24 this startling statistic increases to 1 in 2
A guide to enhance your flexibility

A guide to enhance your flexibility

Andrew Fox
These days exercise is no more a luxury rather it’s a necessity, especially if your job demands sitting at a desk for hours at a stretch
Dealing with manipulative people

Dealing with manipulative people

Karl Melvin
The art of manipulation is alive and well. I call it an art as its proponents appear to spend years crafting their skills and masterfully pulling the strings of others for their own gain. All manipulators have an agenda and that agenda is control
Ways to ‘Ground’ yourself to inner calmness

Ways to ‘Ground’ yourself to inner calmness

Karen Ward
In times of life’s inevitable ups and downs we often experience overwhelm and/or major stress. Sometimes, when we seek help, supportive friends or complimentary therapists talk about ‘Grounding’ as a good way to calm down
Self-care tools for children starting out on their social media journey

Self-care tools for children starting out on their social media journey

Anne McCormack
Young people are spending a lot of time on social media, and in preparing them for it, parents usually advise them on how to keep safe (not posting any identifying information etc)
A Mum shares her story of postnatal depression – “You must take care of yourself.”

A Mum shares her story of postnatal depression – “You must take care of yourself.”

Ciara Traynor
When my son Jamie was born, I couldn’t believe the special day was finally here and I was finally a mother. I had wanted this moment for so long
How to take a break from alcohol

How to take a break from alcohol

Andy Ramage
Giving up alcohol sounds so simple - surely you just stop? The beer can’t jump into your mouth. Yet when most people try they fail
Managing stress before it becomes too much

Managing stress before it becomes too much

Jonni Pollard
A little bit of stress in your life is great to make you motivated and get things done. However this good stress can turn into bad stress really quickly when we’re under pressure and don’t give ourselves the time to recover
5 Tips for handling anxiety at work courtesy of my co-workers

5 Tips for handling anxiety at work courtesy of my co-workers

Liz Greene
Coping with anxiety is hard, but dealing with it at work can be a nightmare. There are a number of fast acting medications that can help in a pinch, but they can be addictive
Encouraging confidence: How to support child’s self esteem

Encouraging confidence: How to support child’s self esteem

Tracey Clayton
Building confidence in your child is a sure way to set them up for success in life in all ways. It will ensure that they lead a happy life full of positive energy and will help them stay strong
How breaking down can save you

How breaking down can save you

Adam Coleman
At only 19 I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and more recently with an Anxiety Disorder. Breaking down recently was the best thing to happen to me: it made me stronger
Does a Masters of Pharmacy degree prepare you for helping suicidal patients?

Does a Masters of Pharmacy degree prepare you for helping suicidal patients?

Peter Kelly
One Monday morning there was a queue at the counter. I approached a young man in the line and asked, ‘Can I help you?’ His eyes started to well up so I suggested he meet me in the consultation room
How to support children to worry less and develop mental fitness

How to support children to worry less and develop mental fitness

Anne McCormack
Worrying does not just automatically stop when someone suggests that you stop and this is true for adults and children alike
How I manage my anxiety

How I manage my anxiety

Louise O’Sullivan
As I begin writing this I question if I will truly be able to convey how difficult it is to manage anxiety. Until about three years ago the word anxiety didn't even feature much in my vocabulary, mainly because I didn't fully understand it
I am enough

I am enough

Aoife Kane
I had a dream the other night. I was sitting beside a good friend of mine and we were chatting about life. I looked down to my left hand and I noticed I was holding a heart in it
The reason I set up Taxiwatch.ie – On the outside I was smiling, on the inside I was dyingvideo

The reason I set up Taxiwatch.ie – On the outside I was smiling, on the inside I...

Derek Devoy
In 2010, life could not have been any better. I had built a new house, bought a new car and was working away happily. Then BANG! I was hit from behind by a drunk driver
Some truths about suicide – my personal thoughts

Some truths about suicide – my personal thoughts

Ken Barrett
There is a lot of talk in the media at present about mental health and this is fantastic, the more people that feel comfortable talking about issues out there, the better
The battery life of a teacher – Top tips on how to keep your battery topped up

The battery life of a teacher – Top tips on how to keep your battery topped up

Ann-Marie Ireland
I recently began a discussion with a group of teachers about their ‘battery life’ as a teacher. I showed them an image that illustrated the ‘battery life of a teacher’ as being full on
My appeal to Ireland after devastation of losing my twin brother

My appeal to Ireland after devastation of losing my twin brother

Patrick Mungovan
Our drinking habits need to change. And fast. First of all let me start by telling you about myself. I am a regular 20 year old who has often gone out for days in a row, don’t remember getting home, the usual story with most young people in our generation
To err is human

To err is human

Dr. Jolanta Burke
“I pushed him away” – Maeve said – “and the thoughts of what I have done haunt me”. When one of my clients began telling the group her story, everyone listened to her with curiosity. What could she have possibly done, that was so bad
Creating a culture of well-being in our schools

Creating a culture of well-being in our schools

Fiona Forman
There is a huge impetus at the moment toward putting well-being and mental health at the heart of our children’s school experience
You are one thought away from feeling better in every moment

You are one thought away from feeling better in every moment

Bryan Ryan
Last year, a Mum of two kids in her thirty’s came to see me. She had been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder some 5 years previously
Taking a step away from social anxiety

Taking a step away from social anxiety

Francis Cleary
They say that your school and college days are the best times of your life and should be cherished. Whoever first coined that saying must not have experienced social anxiety. For me, those days were filled with feelings of isolation, excessive anxiety
Depression – An open letter to someone struggling

Depression – An open letter to someone struggling

Jannah Walshe
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
Teaching children the language of mental health

Teaching children the language of mental health

Fiona Forman
We have come so far in the last number of years in our understanding of our physical health, and it’s great that children learn at an early age about all the factors
How to empower children against bullying and strengthen emotional resilience

How to empower children against bullying and strengthen emotional resilience

Dr. Malie Coyne
I remember looking into the mirror at my reflection next to her in the school toilets. She was small, thin-built, and pretty. Somebody all the kids wanted to be with
Are you feeling low? Exercising is one great way to help you feel better

Are you feeling low? Exercising is one great way to help you feel better

Keith Begley
Mental health has become very topical in recent times and it is no surprise. Due to modern technology, a life of convenience - often known as sitting disease is upon us
Building confidence in sport and life

Building confidence in sport and life

Alan Heary
“I volunteered to take the penalty because I felt pretty confident about scoring” - David O’Leary - scorer of the winning penalty for Ireland against Romania in the 1990 World Cup
10 Reasons why losing your sh*t can make your life come together

10 Reasons why losing your sh*t can make your life come together

Aleksandra Slijepcevic
Being optimistic in life is a beautiful thing, but just like your weekend Fireball shots, it works best in moderation. Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, we often play the roles of happy
9 reasons why giving up alcohol is good for business and life

9 reasons why giving up alcohol is good for business and life

Andy Ramage
Two years ago I set myself a challenge, the ultimate social challenge - one year without alcohol. As a broker in the city of London, most people thought this an impossible task and others considered it terrible for business
What tennis can teach us about newborn mental health

What tennis can teach us about newborn mental health

Tracy Donegan
“You’ll spoil the baby” - ”you’re making a rod for your back” - “you’ll never get him into his own bed” - “Don’t pick him up every time he cries” - does any of this sound familiar?
4 easy breathing techniques to calm your body and mind

4 easy breathing techniques to calm your body and mind

Sinéad McKiernan
Breathing is vital to our existence, we inhale and deliver oxygen to the body and we release carbon dioxide on our exhale. Our breath is happening all day every day
Suicide and self harm in young people – Some thoughts for parents

Suicide and self harm in young people – Some thoughts for parents

Eoin Galavan
There is arguably no more frightening a discovery for a parent who one way or another finds out their child has considered or attempted suicide or intentionally harmed themselves
How I became friends with my mind again – from OCD to meditation

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

Linda Culleton
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
Cultivating mental fitness

Cultivating mental fitness

Flor Sylvester
In today’s society, physical fitness gets a lot of attention. Being physically fit generally translates to looking good, but also because a healthy body can help prevent certain conditions like heart-disease and diabetes
Redefining ‘Man Up’ – Young men, a call to arms

Redefining ‘Man Up’ – Young men, a call to arms

Shane O’ Donnell
By channelling our inherent masculine traits of protection and responsibility towards mental health and wellbeing, we can begin to redefine the meaning of ‘man up’ and positively benefit the lives of ourselves, our friends and our family
What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful

What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful

Mary Larkin
As a therapist I work with some of the most courageous yet vulnerable people imaginable
Exercise adherence, weight-loss, health and well-being – From failure to success

Exercise adherence, weight-loss, health and well-being – From failure to success

Keith Begley
Getting healthier and fitter shouldn’t be a totally hellish process. Ultimately putting your health and well-being first is a self-loving journey and should be always viewed and acted on in this way
Holistic grieving

Holistic grieving

Karen Ward
There are three absolute certainties in life – birth, change and death. When we grieve we are dealing with all three at the same time - the death of a loved one, the huge changes that inevitably brings and the birth of our new life without them
‘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

Linda Allen
‘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

Michelle Ryan
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
Neuroplasticity – help your flexible brain create positive neural pathways everyday

Neuroplasticity – help your flexible brain create positive neural pathways everyday

Fiona Brennan
Imagine you lived in a world where from a young age you were taught to look after your mental well-being using a similar daily routine to brushing your teeth
7 Life lessons they won’t ever teach you at school

7 Life lessons they won’t ever teach you at school

Mairead Healy
Every time we make a decision where we ignore our heart and go with our head, prioritising logic and reason, we can often end up having regrets
It’s okay not to be okay? Sure. With a huge caveat

It’s okay not to be okay? Sure. With a huge caveat

Fiona Kennedy
I’m 30(ish), married, and have two kids and two dogs. I work, I have good friends who understand me, and a really supportive family. On paper all good, right? But, I also have borderline personality disorder (bpd) that occasionally morphs into depression, so life can be a touch unpredictable here
Equine Therapy: How horses help people find answers within

Equine Therapy: How horses help people find answers within

Joe Slattery
I will do my best to describe the benefits of the EAGALA model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy as a therapeutic tool for supporting people to look at their mental health
Why we need to teach children about the new science of stress

Why we need to teach children about the new science of stress

Fiona Forman
When I asked my class of 31 ten year olds recently ‘Who has experienced stress in their lives?’ every single hand went up. We then shared stories of the different events or situations
Obligation has a lot to answer for

Obligation has a lot to answer for

Nicky Flood
We live in a world full of doing, always rushing around trying to get everything we need to get done in a day, working hard, doing errands, making sure everything is alright with our family, our friends, the world
The mental trap of Chronic Insecurity

The mental trap of Chronic Insecurity

Dr. Padraic Gibson
In the coming few articles I hope to explain and explore the practical ways in which we (all of us that is), as humans create our own mental traps and how this happens despite our best efforts to avoid them
Why taking a break from alcohol will be the best decision you ever made

Why taking a break from alcohol will be the best decision you ever made

Andy Ramage
A year ago, I awoke and grumbled the immortal words ‘Never again!’ Only this time I meant it (although I had really ‘meant it’ at least 500 times before). In fact, most Saturdays, Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays – oh, and the odd Tuesday – started and ended this way
Feed your body so you can disempower stress and anxiety

Feed your body so you can disempower stress and anxiety

Liz Byrne
Telling an already stressed and anxious individual to ‘slow down’, ‘relax’, ‘don’t over think things’, in my mind is adding fuel to the proverbial fire
Why parental self–care is essential for children’s emotional wellbeing

Why parental self–care is essential for children’s emotional wellbeing

Dr. Malie Coyne
Parenting is a complete rollercoaster ride from conception to forever. Nothing can match up to creating a human being and witnessing their emerging personalities as they develop
Keeping well and avoiding turmeric enemas

Keeping well and avoiding turmeric enemas

Karen Sugrue
Like someone who is prone to chest infections or tonsillitis, I am prone to depression and anxiety. And like someone prone to chest infections, I’m more likely to get ‘a dose’ if I haven’t been looking after myself
Growing Up With Addiction in the Home

Growing Up With Addiction in the Home

A Lust For Life Reader
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
Anyone’s Brother

Anyone’s Brother

Niall Breslin
Over the past few months, a good friend of mine, Shane, made contact with me regarding an incredibly distressing position himself and his fiancé Cat, and her family found themselves in
I wish I had let myself be happier

I wish I had let myself be happier

Tony Griffin
When Bronnie Ware took a job as a palliative care assistant nursing the dying through their final days she probably didn’t realise the experience was going to be such a transformative one
Get a buzz without the booze – Destigmatising booze free socialising in Ireland

Get a buzz without the booze – Destigmatising booze free socialising in Ireland

Áine Rynne
Three years ago, for the first time in my life and never previously considered, I decided to take a break from alcohol. I was a social drinker but it sometimes put a shadow over me that I never fully recognised until hindsight made me recollect
Helping children develop resilience, manage stress and strong emotions using the ‘90 Second Rule’

Helping children develop resilience, manage stress and strong emotions using the ‘90 Second Rule’

Fiona Forman
Research shows us that emotional regulation is one of the key factors for the development of resilience and wellbeing. This makes sense when you think about it
Depression, a story of acceptance

Depression, a story of acceptance

Lauren Moriarty
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
How to check in on someone you love

How to check in on someone you love

Sadhbh Byrne
Even if you’re very worried about a loved one’s mental health, it can be very daunting to think about broaching the subject with them
The difference between baby blues and post natal depression

The difference between baby blues and post natal depression

Dr. Malie Coyne
I still have visions of me wheeling my trolley around the postnatal ward, looking in at my most precious baby girl, tears of joy and sadness streaming down my face. What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I hold it together?
What to do if you are concerned about your teenager’s mental health

What to do if you are concerned about your teenager’s mental health

Dr. Clare Kambamettu
Mental health problems do occur among children and teenagers. Current statistics suggest that about 15% of young people between 12 and 15 experience a significant mental health problem (Lynch et al, 2004)
Forgiveness is for you, not anyone else

Forgiveness is for you, not anyone else

Dr. Jolanta Burke
Forgiveness is not about justifying someone’s offence, forgetting their behaviour, nor reconciliation. It is way more than this. It is making yourself feel more positive. Think of a person in your life who cannot forgive, be it a friend, family member (or perhaps you)
No longer running away

No longer running away

Meredith Heneghan
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
Know your triggers – the importance of self-awareness

Know your triggers – the importance of self-awareness

Niall Breslin
Self-awareness is one of the key building blocks of a sustainable recovery and allows for recognition of ‘triggers’ that can cause distress
Validation of children’s feelings promotes positive mental health

Validation of children’s feelings promotes positive mental health

Dr. Malie Coyne
Dignity is defined as “the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect”. For me dignity means acknowledgement and validation of feelings
Stopping my panic attacks before they hit

Stopping my panic attacks before they hit

James Elford
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
Overcoming a phobia, learning to breathe thanks to swimming and the power of mating seals

Overcoming a phobia, learning to breathe thanks to swimming and the power of mating seals

Niall Breslin
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, usually defined as a persistent fear of an object or situation
Are we listening to our young people?

Are we listening to our young people?

Ailis Ní Áinle
The first step in the journey to wellbeing is to listen to our young people. For adolescents, having their voice heard is a key and vital part of social cohesion
5 ways to honour yourself

5 ways to honour yourself

Sarah Doyle
Some of us put so much focus on taking care of others that we neglect our own needs and desires. And some of us are so accustomed to giving our love away to others that we forget to save some for ourselves
Walking towards wellness – Ecotherapy and Ecopsychology

Walking towards wellness – Ecotherapy and Ecopsychology

David Staunton
Only too well I remember the first time I sought help and support from a psychotherapist. I recall sitting in a bland room looking down at a carpet the colour
The story behind why I don’t have any more children

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

Doreen Kelly
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
The societal impact of cyberbullying

The societal impact of cyberbullying

Amy Dignam
Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group
Keeping anxiety a secret makes it thrive

Keeping anxiety a secret makes it thrive

Tim Collins
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
People matter – the importance of friendship

People matter – the importance of friendship

Dr. Jolanta Burke
A positive psychologist, Christopher Peterson, became well known for his motto that ‘people matter’. We are social beings and in order to feel psychologically well, we need to experience closeness with other human beings every day
‘I’m a single Dad living with anxiety’

‘I’m a single Dad living with anxiety’

James Elford
Understanding depression, anxiety or any of that bad stuff is like understanding any chronic illness
Ireland is breaking free from the stigma that choked our society into silence

Ireland is breaking free from the stigma that choked our society into silence

Niall Breslin
Something has changed in Ireland over the last few years. For so long we honoured our global stereotypes as people full of character and good time charm, too afraid to admit a weakness or court failure, which inadvertently led to a damaging internalisation of repressed emotions
The importance of stillness

The importance of stillness

Nicky Flood
Over the last few years I have been slowly learning the immense value of being quiet. For me this means pausing on life, slowing down, looking inside, exploring and really connecting to my thoughts
The beginning of a conversation with the soul

The beginning of a conversation with the soul

Mari Kennedy
‘The unexamined life is not worth living’. Socrates. Ever ask yourself “What am I doing with my life?”
Psychologists urge schools to make mental health and wellbeing a priority for pupils

Psychologists urge schools to make mental health and wellbeing a priority for pupils

Dr. Margaret O’Rourke
Every school day more than 400,000 young people attend nearly 1,400 post primary schools across the country
A Lust for Life Online CBT Course – WEEK 1

A Lust for Life Online CBT Course – WEEK 1

Dr. Clare Kambamettu
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Clare Kambamettu has very kindly developed an online CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) course exclusively for A Lust for Life readers
Getting unstuck: How a shy waterford man became a bold adventurer

Getting unstuck: How a shy waterford man became a bold adventurer

Niall Doherty
I’ve spent the last five years of my life traveling all around the world. Just recently I wrapped up a 44-month trip that saw me visit 36 countries without taking a single flight
Real men don’t man up, they open up

Real men don’t man up, they open up

Brian O’Connell
Writing that allows us look at our own behaviours with a greater sense of comprehension. The following is such a piece
Road to recovery from gambling addiction

Road to recovery from gambling addiction

Niall McNamee
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
An introduction to mindfulness for young people

An introduction to mindfulness for young people

Helen O’Neill
I’ve noticed mindfulness has been cropping up a lot in the media recently. Some people have even referred to it as the latest fad. However mindfulness is over 2,500 years old
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© A Lust For Life - Registered Charity Number 20157913. CHY Number 21993
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