Preparing Your Child for a New School.Transitioning to a new school can be a significant life event for children and their families. The process of preparing a child for this change encompasses numerous factors, including emotional readiness, academic support, and social integration. Emotional readiness is a critical component of preparing a child for a new […]
The Benefits of Trying New Things.As we get older, finding time for enjoyable activities often takes a backseat. However, embracing new hobbies not only provides a creative outlet but also promotes positive psychological changes. Whether it’s something as easy as hiking or painting, or something more adventurous like bungee jumping, trying new hobbies can be […]
What are Emotional Support Animals?Emotional support animals, or ESAs for short, serve an essential role in the lives of many individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges. Unlike service animals trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, ESAs are generally not required to have specialised training. Their primary purpose is to offer companionship and […]
Can Dancing Benefit Mental Health?The link between physical activity and mental health is well-documented. Engaging in any form of physical exercise can lead to the release of endorphins, which are known to elevate mood. Dancing, with its unique combination of physical movement, creativity, and social interaction, enhances these benefits significantly. Although dancing has roots in […]
The Difference Between a Fear and a Phobia. Fear is a natural and essential human emotion that serves a critical purpose in survival. It triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing an individual to respond to danger. However, when fear becomes intense, irrational, and persistent, it may develop into a phobia. Understanding the distinction between a […]
Coming to Terms with a Medical DiagnosisOne of the first emotions individuals experience upon receiving a medical diagnosis is shock. The sudden change in one’s health status can provoke fear, anxiety, and a multitude of questions. Learning to cope with these feelings is crucial. Acceptance usually follows, but it can vary in duration and intensity. […]
Recovering from Failure. Failure is an inevitable part of life. It can occur in any area of life, whether academic, professional, or personal. Despite the discomfort it brings, failure often serves as a teachable moment, offering valuable lessons that can lead to eventual success. Recognising that many successful individuals have faced significant failures allows others […]
The Benefits of Keeping Houseplants.There is no doubt that our environment impacts our mental health, and that a natural, green jungle is almost always preferable to a concrete one. The connection between nature and mental health has been a subject of interest for many years. As such, several studies have established that interacting with plants […]
The Power of Forgiveness. Confucius once (allegedly) said “Before embarking on a journey of revenge, dig two graves”. This means that setting out to destroy another person will also cause the end of the person you used to be. Revenger can be a powerful force, but forgiveness can be just as strong, and perhaps more […]
The Mental Health Benefits of Walking.Throughout history, walking has long been appreciated for its physical benefits. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously stated "Walking is man's best medicine". And while he probably wasn’t aware, this wisdom extends to mental health as well. There are several factors that contribute to the mental health benefits of walking. […]
Reducing Your Daily Food Intake.Reducing daily food intake is a common goal for many individuals aiming to improve their health, manage weight, or simply enhance their relationship with food. Here, we will discusses several tips that can effectively help individuals reduce their food consumption while considering various perspectives, impactful figures, and recent developments in nutrition […]
Understanding Incel CultureThe term "incel" originated in the late 1990s when a college student created an online space to discuss issues related to loneliness and relationships. Initially meant as a support group, the community evolved over time. The rise of online forums, combined with growing discussions about gender and sexuality, contributed to the spread of […]
The Culture of Binge DrinkingBinge drinking represents a significant public health issue, particularly among young adults. The term “binge drinking” means consuming a large quantity of alcohol in a short period of time. The psychology behind binge drinking encompasses various factors including social influences, individual psychology, and cognitive processes. And on this day, the day […]
The Psychology Behind AddictionThe psychology behind addiction is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Addiction is often classified as a chronic brain disease that affects a person's behaviour, often leading to compulsive substance use, despite the consequences. It is crucial to distinguish between substance use and substance use disorders. Not everyone who […]
What is "Doomscrolling"?The idea of “Doomscrolling” gained prominence in recent years as digital technology has advanced, making news more accessible. The term itself became widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic when people turned to their devices to stay informed about the evolving crisis. The overwhelming amount of distressing news during this time led many individuals […]
The Different Kinds of AnxietyAnxiety is a multifaceted emotional response characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes such as increased blood pressure. Historically, our understanding of anxiety has evolved significantly. Early approaches to mental health often perceived anxiety through the lens of moral failing or character weakness. The advent of psychology in […]
The Appropriate Amount of Screen TimeThe influence of screen time on children is multifaceted. Excessive screen exposure can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased physical activity, poor sleep quality, and impaired social skills. The pandemic highlighted these issues, as schools transitioned to online learning and many children experienced increased screen time. While […]
Are New Year's Resolutions Worth a Shot?New Year resolutions have long been a staple in our society, with millions of people across the globe committing to personal change as the calendar turns. Psychologically, the act of making resolutions can serve as a catalyst for change. The beginning of a new year symbolizes a threshold moment, […]
Why Do We Often Turn to Comfort Food?In times of stress, sadness, or uncertainty, many people turn to comfort food to seek solace and relief. The psychology behind this phenomenon is complex and multifaceted, including a wide range of emotional, biological, and social factors. Society has long been interested in the reasons behind our tendency […]
The Mental Health Benefits of Pet OwnershipAs far back as ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, animals were revered and often kept as pets. Dogs were used for hunting and protection, cats helped control pest populations, and other animals, such as birds, were kept for companionship. The bond between humans and animals has […]
Do You Live in an Echo Chamber?Recently, shockwaves were felt around the world as Donald Trump was elected President of the United States in a major political earthquake – for the second time. While many were taken by complete surprise, others could clearly see the writing o the wall. With the results now showing the […]
Fear of Public SpeakingPublic speaking is a skill that many individuals struggle with, as the prospect of standing in front of an audience and delivering a speech can be daunting. However, the ability to effectively communicate in front of others is a valuable asset in both personal and professional settings. Whether it be for work, […]
The Psychology of ConfidenceConfidence plays a crucial role in our personal and professional lives. It is a trait that can significantly impact our success in personal relationships, our professional lives, and our overall well-being. Many individuals struggle with confidence issues, which can hinder their ability to reach their full potential. Confidence and self-esteem have long […]
Signs of Post-Partum DepressionPost-partum depression is a condition that affects many women after giving birth. It is a type of mood disorder that can occur within the first few weeks or months after childbirth. While many new mothers experience a brief period of sadness or "baby blues", post-partum depression is a more severe and long-lasting […]
The Impact of Social Media on PreteensSocial media has become an integral part of the lives of preteens in today's society. With the rise of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, young kids are constantly exposed to a digital world that can have both positive and negative effects on their mental health. The […]
How to Tell if Someone is Feeling DepressedDepression is a common mental health disorder that affects around 450,000 people in Ireland at any one time. It can be difficult to identify when someone is feeling depressed, as individuals may try to hide their symptoms or may not even be aware that they are experiencing depression. […]
The Link Between Caffeine and AnxietyCaffeine is one of the most commonly consumed substances in the world, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. Many of us rely on caffeine to help us stay awake and alert throughout the day, but what you may not realise is that consuming too much caffeine can actually […]
How to Talk About Couples CounsellingBringing up the idea of going to couples therapy with your partner can be a daunting task. It may feel uncomfortable to admit that your relationship needs help or that there are issues that need to be addressed. However, seeking therapy together can be a positive step towards improving communication, […]
Could AI Replace Therapists?Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant advancements in recent years, and has quickly become part of our daily lives. AI has now been implemented in a variety of ways across a number of different fields, helping to improve things like search results, customer service, and efficiency in areas such as storage or […]
A morning routine can help you establish healthy habits that support your mental health, both on any given day, and in the long-run. For example, starting your day with exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, as well as improve your overall physical health.