By Marie Duffy, PR & Communications Officer, Mental Health Ireland International Women’s Day is on March 8th and this year’s theme is ‘Let’s inspire inclusion’. With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. It’s a day of collective global activism and celebration that gives focus to gender inequalities issues in health, the home, education, communities and in the workplace.    Mental Health Ireland delivers workshops in workplaces all over the country on the topics of mental health and wellbeing. We believe in t ..read more

Dr. Sadhbh Byrne from the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University is leading a new research project, called PRISM (PRovision of Informal Support for Mental health), in partnership with Mental Health Ireland and funded by the Irish Research Council. Research suggests that young people often turn to their friends when struggling with their mental health. However, at present, there is very little research on the type of support that is provided by friends, or what the experience of supporting a friend is like. To tackle this, the PRISM project aims to understand: What type of support ..read more

As you pry yourself from your duvet each morning in January, it’s easy to see why animals choose to hibernate. January is home to cold, wet, dark mornings and evenings. There’s less sunlight to give us that much needed boost of vitamin D, and the festive glow of Christmas celebrations are further away than ever. Not to mention that the financial costs of Christmas celebrations are still to be paid and payday has never felt so far away. Moreover, January bombards us with advertisements promoting New Year’s resolutions, gym memberships, and the relentless push of diet culture. There can be a lot ..read more

The Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD announced the appointment of Mental Health Ireland’s friend and colleague Catherine Brogan as the next independent Chair of the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) of Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020-2030). Catherine will take the position from January 2024, succeeding the previous Chair, Mr John Saunders, whose term will end in December 2023. The NIMC is responsible for driving and overseeing the implementation and roll out of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health p ..read more

By Marie Duffy, PR and Communications Officer When we think of the Christmas season, we traditionally think of the Hollywood movie, the festive scene in front of the fire or everyone sitting around a dining room table- a time for friends and family. But for many people, this is not always the reality.  There was a huge emphasis placed on isolation and loneliness during the covid pandemic and people were told to be aware of its impact. But loneliness and isolation existed before the lockdown, and it will continue long after too.  Loneliness and being alone might sound the same, but th ..read more

By Marie Duffy, PR and Communications Officer As the festive season approaches, it’s easy to indulge in sugary treats and alcoholic beverages well into the wee hours. While the immediate enjoyment is undeniable, your body and mind may not share the enthusiasm the next day.   Many of us will enjoy an alcoholic drink or two during the festive season. During the Christmas period there might be more occasions to drink alcohol than usual, and it can be hard to keep track of your alcohol intake.  According to Alcohol Action Ireland the recommended weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines ar ..read more

By Marie Duffy, PR and Communications Officer Navigating the festive season, whether you’re immersed in Christmas celebrations or not, often means a break from the usual grind of everyday life. While the holiday spirit brings joy, it can also disrupt our well-established routines. Despite the freedom of spontaneity, routines play a vital role in maintaining our mental health. The holiday hustle can easily tip the scales toward chaos, but research consistently highlights the grounding effects of a routine, especially during intense periods like Christmas. Whether you find yourself surrounded by ..read more

By Finola Colgan, Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland The festive season can offer many moments of joy and happiness; however, it can also be fraught with tension, stress, and anxiety. Here are five practical and manageable tips to help you have a happier festive season.   Have Realistic Expectations  A good starting point is to understand that the festive season does not have to be perfect. Remind yourself that it is okay if things do not go exactly according to your plans. Unexpected things will happen and upset your plans, so it is helpful to be flexible and grant yo ..read more

By Marie Duffy, PR and Communications Officer, Mental Health Ireland On October 18th, 2023, Galway Mental Health Association, with support from Mental Health Ireland, marked a significant milestone in its journey as it celebrated its 40th birthday. The Galway Bay Hotel played host to a conference, appropriately titled ‘Celebrating Volunteers – Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things.’ The occasion drew volunteers from Mental Health Associations across Ireland to join in the celebrations. It was a day filled with inspiration, workshops, and information stands, all dedicated to promoting men ..read more

Mental Health Ireland has launched its national Volunteer Strategy and Programme at the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin ahead of a weeklong celebration of giving back in the community. The new Volunteer Strategy was launched by the Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD at Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin on Tuesday, 9th of May ahead of National Volunteering Week (15-21st May). The Volunteer Strategy will support volunteers, develop opportunities and pathways for new volunteers and respond to the changing landscape of volunteering. The Strategy will also provide clear and transparen ..read more