This Stress Control Programme is a six week programme delivered by Donegal Mind Wellness. It is free to attend and there is no advance registration required.

The course is easy to understand and there is no pressure for attendees to speak at any of the sessions. it runs for 6 sessions and is suitable for everyone.

Session 1: What Is Stress?

Wednesday, 8th November

• INFORMATION: How Stress Control works. Detailed information about stress: anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. Audio examples. How common is stress? The 14 most common signs. Anxiety and depression tests. What keeps stress going? The Vicious Circle. Important statements.
• SKILLS: Getting started: Stress Control in ten words: face your fears, be more active, watch what you drink.

Session 2: Controlling Your Body

Wednesday, 15th November

• INFORMATION: The vicious circle: how the body feeds stressed feelings. Anxiety: fight/flight/faint/freeze. Depression: being overwhelmed and withdrawing. ‘I had a black dog’.
• SKILLS: Caffeine, breathing retraining, exercise, progressive relaxation. Relaxation CD or code to access relaxation section of website.

Session 3: Controlling Your Thoughts

Wednesday, 22nd November

• INFORMATION: The role of vigilance and threat; ‘grasshopper thinking’ and ‘the Blinkers’.
• SKILLS: Thinking your way out of stress: ‘Wait a minute’, the Big 5 Challenges’, Breaking stress up.

Session 4: Controlling Your Actions

Wednesday, 29th November

• INFORMATION: The vicious circle: how actions feed stressed feelings, body symptoms and thoughts. Building the positive circle – seeing the big picture. Effects of avoidance and behaviour.
• SKILLS: Face your fears; getting out of the safety zone; problem solving.

Session 5a: Controlling Panic Feelings

Wednesday, 6th December

• INFORMATION: Dealing with feeling overwhelmed with a focus on the role of breathing in causing stress and, by controlling it, in controlling stress.
• SKILLS: Breathing retraining, preventative CBT approaches.

Session 5b: Getting A Good Night’s Sleep

• INFORMATION: Looks at the importance in getting a good night’s sleep and the problems lack of sleep or poor quality sleep cause.
• SKILLS: Relaxation, ‘Sleeping tips’ and ‘Retraining your sleep’.

Session 6: Wellbeing

Wednesday, 13th December

• INFORMATION: The importance of strengthening wellbeing in combination with removing stress
• SKILLS: ‘Five a day’: Connect, Be Active, Keep learning, Give, Take notice. The last of these leads into mindfulness. End by ‘controlling the future and ‘becoming your own therapist’.

  

“The energy in the Abbey Hotel today was outstanding,” said Foróige and Connect Mental Health’s Maura Gallagher. “We had 250 young people from across south west Donegal taking part in learning by doing style workshops teaching them valuable skills that will empower them to make positive choices, that will positively impact their mental health.”

Workshops on the day included Jigsaw Donegal’s ‘Time To Start Talking workshop,’ a Challenging Negative Thinking workshop by Ciaran McLoone & Rachel McHugh, a healthy eating demo from food blogger Finn Ní Fhaoláin, an ‘Energy session’ by The Energy Hub and a relaxation session with Blaithin Sweeney.

Speakers & Volunteers at Inspire Hope

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Jo Robinson, head of the suicide prevention research unit at Orygen – the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health in Melbourne, Australia. Dr Robinson travelled to Donegal ahead of speaking at the 4th International Conference on Youth Mental Health in Dublin.

Speaking at the event Jo stated, “It’s fantastic to be in Donegal today talking to young people directly about suicide prevention. It’s incredibly important to educate young people and make sure they feel able to talk about these issues with their friends and know how to seek professional help when they need it.”

Connect Mental Health wish to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and supporters, in particular Donegal Local Development Company, who part funded the event. Without their support this event would not have been possible.

Connect also wish to thank Supervalu Killybegs, Supervalu Donegal town, Centra Ballyshannon, Donegal Natural Food Company and Allsports Donegal Town for sponsorship of water, fruit, healthy snacks and discount sports wear vouchers for all the young people who attended the event.

Event proudly supported by:

Event Gallery:

Finn Ni Fhaolain delivering the Mood Food Workshop

Young People enjoying the day

Energiser Session with The Energy Hub

Relaxation Session with Blaithin Sweeney

Karen from Jigsaw delivering Their 'Time To Start Talking' workshop

Dr Jo Robinson delivering a Suicide Prevention talk

Audience at Jo Robinson Talk

Relaxation Session

Maura Gallagher - Foróige

Run in partnership with:

Inspire Hope will bring 250 TY and senior cycle students from 5 south west Donegal schools together in the Abbey Hotel for an educational and interactive day. In addition to the keynote address by Dr Jo Robinson students will experience 4 interactive workshops. This includes a mental health workshop from Jigsaw Donegal, a healthy eating demo from blogger Finn Ní Fhaoláin, an ‘Energy session’ by The Energy Hub and a relaxation session with Blaithin Sweeney from the Rennafix Group.

Foróige and Connect Mental Health’s Maura Gallagher outlined the objectives of Inspire Hope:

‘Connect Mental Health and Foróige have been working effectively in partnership to give opportunities for young people to develop effective coping skills. We hope this event will empower young people to take charge of their own mental health and develop awareness of mental health supports available in Donegal.’

Maura also thanked Dr Jo Robinson for taking the time to be part of the event: ‘Jo is travelling to Ireland from Australia for the International Association For Youth Mental Health conference taking place next week and has kindly accepted the offer to come to Donegal. We look forward to welcoming Jo to Donegal and greatly appreciate the support we have received from the International Association For Youth Mental Health.’

Jo Robinson leads the suicide prevention research unit at Orygen the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health in Melbourne. She leads a pioneering work program examining a range of things including how social media platforms can be used in suicide prevention. Her work with young people tells us that delivering suicide prevention activities via online platforms can be safe, effective and is highly acceptable to young people.

‘I am thrilled to be back in Ireland for the International Association for Youth Mental Health conference being held in Dublin. This is a great opportunity for young people and those who work in youth mental health from all over the world  to come together to share their work and generate new ideas for the future.’

‘I am particularly excited to meet with some of the young people in Donegal and to talk with them about the issues surrounding suicide prevention and social media’.

– Dr Jo Robinson Head of Suicide Prevention Research at Orygen

Jo is in Ireland for the upcoming International Association For Youth Mental Health (IAYMH) conference taking place in Dublin from the 24^th -26^th September. Speaking ahead of next weeks conference Craig Hodges, IAYMH secretary, stated:

‘Ireland has been a world leader in youth mental health with the development of their Jigsaw program and focus on online supports. The IAYMH are proud to be hosting this year’s event in Ireland and look forward to learning more about developments in Ireland.’

‘Engaging young people in designating the services of the future is critical if we want to make a lasting impact on improving the mental health and well-being of young people.’

Connect Mental Health will be exhibiting at IAYMH’s 4^th International Conference on Youth Mental Health from 24^th – 26^th Sept in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

20/21  March – Tir Hugh Centre, Ballyshannon (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
20/21  May – Moville Family Resource Centre in Inishowen (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
23/24  June – St Johnston Family Resource Centre (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
12/13   Oct – Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
18/19   Nov – Portnoo Family Resource Centre (Course Now Fully Subscribed)

What is Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the initial help given to someone who is developing a mental health problem or who is in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional support is received or until the crises resolves. The MHFA programme is available in 23 countries worldwide.

Emerging mental health problems covered in the course include: depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance misuse. The course also covers mental health crisis situations including: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, self-harm, panic attacks, traumatic events, severe psychotic states, severe effects of alcohol or other drug use and aggressive behaviours.

Who is it for

Mental health first aid is for everyone. We all have mental health just like we all have physical health. And we could all have the ability to help someone when they may be experiencing a mental health difficulty. You don’t have to be an expert to talk to someone about mental health but Mental Health First Aid has been proven to give individuals more confidence to help others.

Mental health first aid has the potential to help those who may, in their daily lives, come across individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.

This could include people such as those in the caring professions, social care, interested family carers, and line managers, HR personnel, foster parents, pharmacists, teachers or Gardaí. The potential list is endless.

What is Involved

The  course takes place over 2 consecutive full days from 9.30am – 4.30pm. It is free to register for the course with a light lunch, tea, coffee and refreshments provided. The courses will take place in the below venues on the dates outlined.
20/21  March    Tir Hugh Centre, Ballyshannon (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
20/21  May       Moville Family Resource Centre in Inshowen (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
23/24  June      St Johnston Family Resource Centre (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
12/13   Oct       Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre (Course Now Fully Subscribed)
18/19   Nov       Portnoo Family Resource Centre (Course Now Fully Subscribed)

The sessions use a mix of group work, video content; and PowerPoint and group discussion to support the participants learning.

Courses are limited to 20 persons in order to maintain an optimal learning environment.

You’ll receive a MHFA Standard manual that you can take away with you at the end of the course and also an attendance certificate from MHFA Ireland to say you are now Mental Health First Aider. Only official Mental Health First Aid Ireland courses can provide these.

How Do I Register

Courses are now fully subscribed. If you wish to be added to the wait list please email us on: info@connectmentalhealth.ie

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the initial help given to someone who is developing a mental health problem or who is in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional support is received or until the crises resolves. The MHFA programme is available in 23 countries worldwide.

Emerging mental health problems covered in the course include: depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance misuse. The course also covers mental health crisis situations including: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, self-harm, panic attacks, traumatic events, severe psychotic states, severe effects of alcohol or other drug use and aggressive behaviours.

It is really important that people living or working in the community train in Mental Health Fist Aid as mental health problems are so common yet there is stigma and discrimination around mental health. In addition to this many people are not well informed about how to recognise mental health problems, how to respond to the person, and what supports are available. Many people with mental health problems delay seeking help or do not seek help at all.

Donal Scanlan, Project Manager with Mental Health First Aid Ireland said: “this is so exciting, a great opportunity to bring mental health first aid skills to a community setting, engaging people in becoming a more caring and supportive community.”

Ciaran McLoone, Connect Mental Health founder, said “We are delighted to welcome Mental Health First Aid Ireland to Donegal to run these courses. Increasing mental health awareness in the community is a key aim of Connect Mental Health. We would also like to thank the HSE for funding this initiative”

Anne Sheridan, HSE Mental Health Promotion/Suicide Resource Officer for Donegal added ‘ In the development of Connecting for Life Suicide Prevention Plan for Donegal we invited the people of Donegal to have their say. One person wrote to us saying ‘We need an information campaign around mental health issues. I know if I cough up blood that I should go to the doctor because my chest infection has got really bad – but I don’t know what the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues are for me or my family’ Mental Health First Aid does just that…it deals with the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and how to support someone with a mental health problem as well as the services that are there to help. I hope that many people avail of this opportunity to learn more about mental health problems and how to help so that we can extend the support to those who are vulnerable.’

Courses take place on the following dates:

20/21  March – Tir Hugh Centre, Ballyshannon
20/21  May – Moville Family Resource Centre in Inshowen
23/24  June – St Johnston Family Resource Centre
12/13  Oct – Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre
18/19  Nov – Portnoo Family Resource Centre

For more information or to book a place visit www.connectmentalhealth.ie/events or email info@connectmentalhealth.ie

You can expect a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. Light snacks and tea & coffee will be provided free during the interval from 3.00 – 3.30pm, during which time you can also pick up information from information stands from Aware and Samaritans.

If you are based in Kilcar, Killybegs, Bruckless, Dunkineely, Mountcharles, Donegal Town, Laghey or Ballintra we have free transport that you can avail of to and from the conference. Find out more about the free transport and pickup times here 

Who should attend:

Inspire Hope is suitable for anyone who wishes to learn more about their mental health and wellbeing. Aswell as offering inspirational and uplifting talks, the educational sessions include practical take home tips.

If you haven’t already registered you can register on this page or on the door from 12 midday at The Abbey Arts Centre.

Doors open: 12.00 noon
Venue: Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon
Starts: 13.00 | Ends: 17.30
Entry: Free

* Register in advance on this page or on the door from 12.00 midday at the Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon on Saturday

Running Order:

Register now for your free ticket or register on the door on Saturday!

First pick up at 11am in Carrick -Mc Kinley’s Shop
11.10am Kilcar (Hegarty’s shop)
11.30am Killybegs- Tara Hotel Bus Stop
11.40am Bruckless- Barry’s shop
11.45 Dunkineely- Floyd’s Shop
11.55 Mountcharles -Londis Shop
12pm Donegal Town – Abbey Hotel
12.10 Laghey- Kees of Laghey Shop
12.20 Balintra-Village shop

Conference start time: 1.00pm | Finish: 5.30. Refreshments will be provided free of charge during the conference. Pick up for return transfers after the conference will be directly outside the Abbey Arts Centre after the conference.

If you are interested please email us at: info@connectmentalhealth.ie with your preferred pickup place and a contact number or alternatively send a private message to our Facebook page.

Free Film Screening: Inside Out

On Sunday 9th October we have a free film screening of Inside Out in Eclipse Cinema Bundoran at 4.00pm. Inside Out is a family friendly movie and is a fun and subtle way of introducing mental health conversations. The film follows Riley, who like all of us is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life.

The film screening is free and we encourage families to attend.

Workshop for Parents: Supporting Young People’s Mental Health

We are partnering with Jigsaw Donegal to deliver their ‘Supporting Young People’s Mental Health’ workshop. The workshop will take place on Tuesday 11th October at 7.30pm in Abbey Vocational School Donegal Town and will be repeated at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12th October at 7.30pm in Colaiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon. The event is free to attend, just turn up on the night that best suits you!

Supporting Young People’s Mental Health (SYPMH) is a 1-hour workshop aimed at parents/guardians and others in the community who are concerned about the mental health of young people.

The workshop aims to build understanding of the mental health issues affecting young people and to provide guidance on how to support young people who may be struggling with their mental health.

Participants will:
• Have an understanding of the key issues impacting on the mental health and well-being of young people.
• Be able to identify ways of promoting positive mental health in young people.
• Be aware of the value of listening as a way of supporting young people

5K Fun Run / Walk & Talk

The 5k fun run, walk and talk will start and end at the Breesy Centre in Cashelard, Ballyshannon. All members of the community and families are encouraged to take part. Registration desks will be open at the Breesy Centre from 10am. Registration is €10 per person (€5 per school student) with all funds raised going towards mental health workshops in the community over the months following Connect Mental Health 2016.

School Workshops

There are a number of secondary school workshops taking place during the week for school students including:

• Real Talks with Alan O’Mara
• The Shona Project with Tammy Darcy
• Donal Walsh #LiveLife Foundation with Elma Walsh
• Be Healthy, Be Happy for TY students in association with Foróige

View full programme of events 

An episode of very low mood/ depression involves feelings of hopelessness and despair. These types of bipolar symptoms can include:

• Sad, despairing, hopeless feelings
• Loss of interest in food, work, sex and other people
• Difficulty sleeping or over-sleeping
• Chronic aches or pains with no identifiable cause

A high mood involves feelings of elation. This is also known as mania. These types of bipolar symptoms can include:

• Rapid thoughts and/ or speech
• Impaired judgement
• Over-spending/ buying unnecessary items on impulse
• Unusually high levels of energy and little need for sleep
• Unrealistic beliefs about one’s own abilities

A mixed mood involves a mixture of the above symptoms. For example, depressed mood with the restlessness and over activity of a manic episode.

People usually experience both low and high moods, but some will have only high or low episodes.

Bipolar disorder affects about one in every 100 adults. It can start at any time during or after the teenage years, although it is unusual for it to start after the age of 40. Men and women are affected equally.

ReachOut.com has developed a video with lots more information about bipolar disorder, the supports and support groups available and the ways you can help yourself. ReachOut.com is a website for young people but the video information is relevant to everyone.
Support for bipolar disorder:

Everyone experiences mental health problems, or bipolar disporder, in a unique way, so it is important to remember that your treatment and support may be different to someone elses’. It is important to trust yourself and to think about what will help you as an individual, and not to feel you are beyond help if one method of treatment doesn’t work for you.

• A local G.P.
A G.P. should be able to give you advice and information on different treatment options and supports.  He/ she should be able to refer you to services that can be helpful. Learn more about how a G.P. can help you.
• S.E. mental health services 
The H.S.E. mental health services can support you in better understanding bipolar and finding the treatment options that best work for you. Talk to your G.P. about how mental health services can help you manage and prevent the symptoms, and have a healthy, balanced life.
• Community & non-statutory services
You can access a wide range of supports and services from community and non-statutory organisations. Many of these services are low-cost or free. Aware and Grow run support groups that may be of help. Search for services in your local area.
• Listening service 
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope. For confidential, non-judgemental support please free call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.ie for details of the nearest branch.

Sometimes, though, if we are feeling down and it is interfering with our ability to get on with our day to day lives it may be useful to seek support from a G.P., a counsellor or a support organisation.

You may be depressed or experiencing signs of depression, when:

• The low mood or symptoms of depression last for two weeks or more, and
• The symptoms interfere with your everyday life.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Lack of interest in daily activities and in the things you enjoy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of motivation
• Sleeping too much, too little or having disturbed sleep
• Comfort eating or loss of appetite
• Tiredness or fatigue with no physical cause

Any of us can experience low mood or depression at any stage in our lives. It can interfere with our enjoyment of life and our ability to do the things we want to do. Getting help for low mood or depression can really make a difference. There are lots of different things that can help – some that you can do yourself and some that involve getting support from others.

Support for depression:

When thinking about support, it is important to recognise that everyone experiences mental health problems in a unique way and therefore help, treatment and support also varies from person to person. What works for one person may not for another. It is useful to think about what you feel will help you, and not to feel you are beyond help if a certain type of treatment doesn’t work out.

• Little things can make a big difference
There are lots of things you can do to help mind your mental health. Find out more about the wellbeing benefits of little things, such as eating well, exercising, sleeping and spending time with friends.
• Talking 
Talking about how you feel, to someone you trust and who is supportive, can be a great help. Find tips for starting the conversation.
• A G.P. 
A G.P. can give you information about other supports that can be of help to you.  He/ she may be able to recommend particular people or services that can help. A G.P. can also offer you medication, if necessary. Learn more about how a G.P. can help you.
• Community & non-statutory services
You can access a wide range of supports and services from community and non-statutory organisations. Many of these services are low-cost or free. Aware and Grow run support groups that may be of help. Search for services in your local area.
• Counselling 
A G.P. can recommend counselling services in your area. These might include free, low cost or private options.
• Listening service 
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope. For confidential, non-judgemental support please call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.ie for details of the nearest branch.