Today is World Mental Health Day! Why not take on the challenge of doing one thing today that would benefit your mental health.

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It can be harmful not to ask for what you need.

TheLiberal.ie

The video below reminds men that they are not alone and it's ok to talk about their feelings. It's ok not to be ok.

Psychotherapists and counsellors to be regulated

Well, It’s that time of year again…. The hard work was all over in June, and ‘The Wait’ is over tomorrow. Some of you will be delighted (well done), some disappointed. So, while not wanting to take from the achievement of those who will get exactly what they wanted, here are a few brief thoughts for the disappointed… Pressure. In many ways the Leaving Cert is a pressure cooker. Balance and perspective are often lost in the fog of ‘how is the study going’, ‘what are you applying for’, and ‘could be doing better’. We put enough pressure on ourselves through the process. It can be difficult to separate this out from the anxious pressure applied by parents (who want you to do your best), teachers (who want you to do your best), and friends (who want to do their best). It comes from all sides, and it can feel relentless. Hands up who never thought of, had suggested, or went to grinds (a horrible phrase) over the two years? Pressure. Well, tomorrow it will be all done. Finished. Over. Well done. Take a deep breath and try to make space for some… Perspective. This is a significant time. Something being over is also something else beginning. You’re all so young. Adolescence is coming to an end, and adult life is just around the bend. A disappointing result is just that. Disappointing. Not a disaster. Increasingly in recent years, the Leaving Cert has been built up to be a massive thing. Try to bear in mind that, while it is ‘important’, it’s not ‘that important’. There are lots of ways to get where you’re going. The points race (Ugghh. Another horrible phrase) and the CAO application process is unquestionably the most straightforward route to get where you’re going, but it’s by no means the only one. Take another deep breath, step back, and look at all your options. There are loads. And remember, its not what you learned in school that's most important, its what you learned about yourself while you were there. Remember 12 year old you? What's different now? You did that! And you'll continue to do that. In the company of... Family and friends. Talk to them. If you're feeling floored and haven't a clue what to do, talk. In a crisis it can feel impossible to figure out a next step in the company of your own head alone. Other people will listen and hear you. They might offer a different perspective. They may help you with your confidence. They may just need to be there with a supply of tea and hugs. Talk to your parents or siblings. Talk to your best friend. Talk to somebody. In fact, talk to anybody who's been through it before, and you'll be assured that 12 months down the line the Leaving Cert will seem like a hundred years ago. Don't make any rash decisions. Take a few days to let it settle. Some words of experience now. You've probably heard these before, but they are true, and may help. Firstly, like secondary school, your choice of course or subject doesnt limit you, unless you really want to do omething really specialized. The third level experience is not like what you're used to. You'll be a young adult. Experiences and opportunities will be different, and you'll come out the other side as changed from how you are now as 12 year old you is from Leaving Cert Results you. Your second, third, or even tenth choice may just be the right fit. As might taking a year out, a PLC course, or repeating. The right choice is the one that moves you forward. From here on, the lesson is Life, and that's a daily job for decades to come! Secondly, your college choice, while it is a big step, is still only a next step. Remember 'perspective'? You may try something different ten years down the line. And ten more again. Many do. Get used to feeling unlimited. Be kind to yourself, and to friends who may be in the same position. Its not a nice position to be in. You could use a little kindness. Who couldn't? And remember, as the wise man once said, “this too shall pass”. Enjoy your night out. Take care of each other. 😊

One of the most daunting parts of making a first appointment is not knowing what happens next. Below is a link to our website, this explains what to expect when you first make contact with us: http://www.crannogcounselling.com/what-we-do/

Here are some top tips on how to mind your mental health: Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. Negative feelings, worry and upset are like mushrooms. They thrive in the dark. Shine a light on them by talking to a friend or family member. Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy. Talking can be a way to cope with a problem you’ve been carrying around in your head for a while. Just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. And it works both ways. If you open up, it might encourage others to do the same. It’s not always easy to describe how you’re feeling. If you can’t think of one word, use lots. What does it feel like inside your head? What does it make you feel like doing? You don't need to sit your loved ones down for a big conversation about your wellbeing. Many people feel more comfortable when these conversations develop naturally - maybe when you're doing something together.

National Time To Talk Day 2016 | News and Events

Life can place a lot of demands on our time, but few of them are probably as important as our emotional wellbeing. http://www.greenribbon.ie/news-and-events/national-time-to-talk-day-2016/

Home - Mental Health Ireland

There's a lot of useful information to be found here. http://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/

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Why not take some time to think about your mental health...

Debut single proceeds to be donated to mental health awareness campaign

http://www.echo.ie/news/item/debut-single-proceeds-to-be-donated-to-mental-health-awareness-campaign

London Play

https://www.facebook.com/londonplay.charity/videos/956499087796724/