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Eating Disorders An eating disorder is a mental health disorder where you use food and weight to cope with emotional distress. People of all ages, genders and backgrounds can develop an eating disorder, although teenagers and young women are at higher risk. With treatment, you can recover from an eating disorder. If you are going through an eating disorder, it is important to have the right assessment and treatment as early as possible to help you deal with your physical, nutritional and mental health needs. If you're struggling with an eating disorder you're not alone. There is support there and you can get through it. Recovery is the best option, it can be a long and hard road but you can get through it. You are so much stronger than you even know. "What are the types of eating disorders?" Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia (or anorexia nervosa) is a serious mental illness where people are of low weight due to limiting how much they eat and drink. They may develop “rules” around what they feel they can and cannot eat, as well as things like when and where they’ll eat. Anorexia can affect anyone of any age, gender, ethnicity or background. As well as limiting how much they eat, they may do lots of exercise, make themselves sick, or misuse laxatives to get rid of food eaten. Some people with anorexia may experience cycles of bingeing (eating large amounts of food at once) and then purging. Read more Bulimia (or bulimia nervosa) is a serious mental illness. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, ethnicity or background. People with bulimia are caught in a cycle of eating large quantities of food (called bingeing), and then trying to compensate for that overeating by vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or exercising excessively (called purging). Treatment at the earliest possible opportunity gives the best chance for a fast and sustained recovery from bulimia. Read more Bulimia OSFED Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are diagnosed using a list of expected behavioural, psychological, and physical symptoms. Sometimes a person’s symptoms don’t exactly fit the expected symptoms for any of these three specific eating disorders. In that case, they might be diagnosed with an “other specified feeding or eating disorder” (OSFED). This is very common. OSFED accounts for the highest percentage of eating disorders, and anyone of any age, gender, ethnicity or background can experience it. It is every bit as serious as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, and can develop from or into another diagnosis. People suffering from OSFED need and deserve treatment just as much as anyone else with an eating disorder. Read more Rumination disorder Rumination disorder is an illness that involves repetitive, habitual bringing up of food that might be partly digested. It often occurs effortlessly and painlessly, and is not associated with nausea or disgust. Rumination disorder can affect anyone at any age. Vomiting in rumination disorder is different to the kind of sickness you might get with a stomach bug, for example – the person won’t appear to feel sick or experience involuntary retching. The person may re-chew and re-swallow the food or just spit it out. People with rumination disorder often do not feel in control of their disorder. Read more ARFID Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, more commonly known as ARFID, is a condition characterised by the person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount eaten, or both. Someone might be avoiding and/or restricting their intake for a number of different reasons. Read more Binge eating disorder Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious mental illness where people eat very large quantities of food without feeling like they’re in control of what they’re doing. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, ethnicity or background, and evidence suggests it is more common than other eating disorders. Read more Orthorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with eating “pure” food. Food considered “pure” or “impure” can vary from person to person. This doesn’t mean that anyone who subscribes to a healthy eating plan or diet is suffering from orthorexia. As with other eating disorders, the eating behaviour involved – “healthy” or “clean” eating in this case – is used to cope with negative thoughts and feelings, or to feel in control. Someone using food in this way might feel extremely anxious or guilty if they eat food they feel is unhealthy Orthorexia Read more PICA Pica is a feeding disorder in which someone eats non-food substances that have no nutritional value, such as paper, soap, paint, chalk, or ice. For a diagnosis of pica, the behaviour must be present for at least one month, not part of a cultural practice, and developmentally inappropriate – generally, it’s not diagnosed in children under the age of two, as it is common for babies to “mouth” objects, which can lead to them accidentally eating substances that aren’t meant to be eaten. Often, pica is not revealed until medical consequences occur, such as metal toxicity, cracked teeth, or infections Read more Anyone of any age, gender, background etc can suffer from an eating disorder. You don't need to be underweight to have an eating disorder. Your thoughts and feelings are valid and its important to get help. A person can develop an eating disorder for any number of reasons, and there is usually an accumulation of ‘risk factors’ which are identified as the person progresses through treatment. It is not always the case that something significantly traumatic has happened in a person’s life that has caused the eating disorder, although sometimes this can be the case. More often than not, there are many factors that for some reason interact in a particular way for that particular person, triggering them to engage in disordered eating behaviours, which in turn triggers their thinking to become distorted and results in the person becoming increasingly ‘imprisoned’ by the eating disorder. - Bodywhys BEAT Eating disorders can take up someone's life and they might feel horrible about themselves. Try to be patient if you know someone who is struggling and listen. Beateatingdisorder UK is a brilliant charity in the UK and they have a lot of information and resources. Body whys Ireland is also a great Charity for eating disorders in Ireland. Bodywhys If you or someone else is in crisis or having a medical emergency, go to your nearest hospital or call your countrys emergency number. 999, 911, 112,000 Resources and helplines

Contactez moi Irlande thehopeproject2021@gmail.com The Hope Project is here to provide support to those struggling with mental health issues. We are available to listen to anyone. For those who want to vent, talk about anything, write about their day or anything else, they can message us and we'll be there to listen. We understand how hard it can be to talk about mental health issues, and we are here for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Nom E-mail Matière Message Soumettre

If you are struggling with grief you are not alone. Grief and coping with loss Losing someone you love can be one of the hardest things to deal with. Especially if you were close to that person. "Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be." Grieving process There is no right or wrong way to grieve; it is a very personal process. How you grieve is determined by a wide range of things, such as your personality and coping mechanisms, your life experience, your religious beliefs, and the importance of the loss to you. The grieving process inevitably requires time. There is no "normal" timeframe for grieving; healing develops gradually and cannot be hastened or coerced. In weeks or months, some people start to feel better. For some it may take years. Whatever your level of pain, it's crucial to be kind to yourself and let things take their course. If you’ve experienced a loss, there are a number of things that will help you as you grieve: be gentle with yourself. Your energy may be low for a while so do not place too many demands on yourself. look after your physical health. You may find you’ve lost your appetite. However, it’s important that you eat healthily. Many people find eating small but frequent meals helpful. It’s also important to try to get some exercise; even a small walk each day can be beneficial. make sure you get enough rest and sleep. This will help you avoid becoming run down or physically ill. seek out support from others who are willing to listen. Talking is important because it helps you express what you’re feeling. Try to find one or two people with whom you can simply be yourself and who’ll allow you to talk when you need to. allow yourself to experience the feelings that come with bereavement, even if they’re difficult. It can be helpful to talk these over with someone you trust. This could be a family member, although it’s important to remember they are grieving too. Sometimes, talking to someone outside the family can be beneficial. don’t rush things. You’re trying to come to terms with a major upheaval in your life. Give yourself permission to take things a bit easier. In general, it’s best to put off making major decisions such as moving home or changing jobs for at least six months to a year. Physical and emotional symptoms of grief These are some of the physical symptoms of grief that you may experience: a hollow feeling in your stomach tightness, or heaviness, in your chest or throat oversensitivity to noise difficulty breathing feeling very tired and weak a lack of energy dry mouth an increase or decrease in appetite finding it hard to sleep or fear of sleeping aches and pains. Normal emotional reactions can include: Temporary loss of interest in things that used to bring joy Numbness, shock, sadness, despair, fear, guilt Decreased confidence and self-esteem Temporary increase in anxiety Sense of loss of control Changes in capacity and ability to deal with stress Less focus at work Changes in interpersonal relationships If your sadness, anxiety or depression persist for a period of time without relief, or if you experience significant impacts to your ability to function in the world, you may need to seek professional help. Things to be on the lookout for include: Inability to get out of bed Deep sense of hopelessness all the time Listlessness that does not go away Complete lack of joy in things that used to bring you great joy Suicidal thoughts Self-isolation Sleep disruption that does not get better over time Inability to work Ways to cope Coping with loss is something that's very hard to do. Its okay to be upset, shocked or many other things you may be feeling. Its okay to let yourself grieve, be patient with yourself. Talking to a professional about how you're feeling and getting tips off them can help greatly. Remember you're never alone and there's always someone there to listen 24/7. Resources Information on this page is from https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-am-bereaved/coping-with-loss/ https://www.betterup.com/blog/symptoms-of-grief https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm

We provide information and resources for mental health and suicide. You can also message us on the online chat. You're never alone, we are here for you. Charlotte Mac Bonjour, Je m'appelle Charlotte Mac et j'ai 16 ans et je viens de Tipperary, en Irlande. J'ai créé ce site Web car j'ai lutté avec ma santé mentale pendant de nombreuses années et je sais ce que ça fait d'être seul et à quoi ça ressemble quand la maladie mentale occupe toute votre vie. Je veux faire une différence et aider les gens. Ce site Web est un endroit sûr pour tout le monde. Il existe des groupes et des informations sur les ressources et les services de santé mentale et si vous ou quelqu'un que vous connaissez éprouvez des difficultés, il existe également des informations à ce sujet. Vous pouvez également me contacter par email ou par le bouton "LETS CHAT". Vous pouvez être vous-même ici et vous êtes si fort et courageux. -J'adore Charlotte xx

If you suffer with anxiety and panic attacks, you,re not alone. There is techniques that can help you cope better and be more in control and also there is instructions on how to help someone having a panic attack. Panic Attacks A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. While they are frightening they are not dangerous. There are things you can to to feel calmer and more in control. Breathing If you're breathing quickly during a panic attack, doing a breathing exercise can ease your other symptoms. Try this: Breath in as slowly, deeply and gently as you can, through your nose. Breath out slowly, deeply and gently through your mouth. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from one to five on each in- breath and each out-breath. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. 5,4,3,2,1 technique If you're having a panic attack the 5,4,3,2,1 grounding technique can be very helpful. This is how: Name 5 things you can see, Name 4 things you can feel, Name 3 things you can hear, Name 2 things you can smell, Name 1 thing you can taste. This technique is to ground you and help you focus. What we are trying to do is ground you and make you feel more in control to cope better. Sometimes having something in your hands while doing these techniques can really help. For example holding ice cubes or playing with a fidget toy. There are also some apps you can download that can help you calm down. Rootd Breathwrk Clear fear Headspace Daylio journal Woebot Some people like to do activities to focus their mind on something else. For example: Drawing Colouring Ripping paper Watch a movie Listen to music really loud Going for a walk Playing/ spending time with a pet. Calling a friend It can be anything, if it helps you that is what matters. Making a little plan as to what you can do when you feel a panic attack coming on or when your having one can be helpful. A little list of things you can do in that moment can help you. Helping someone having a panic attack. It can be scary when someone you know is having a panic attack, but there are some simple things you can do to help them: Stay calm , Keep your voice Calm and don't talk about or focus on what is happening to them during a panic attack. Remind them that they are safe and it will be over soon. Ask them if they need anything . Someone having a panic attack might not always be able to tell you what they need, but asking can help remind them they are not alone. Help them to breath. Try counting out loud as you breath in for 5 seconds and out for 5 seconds. Support the afterwards, take them somewhere quiet to calm down and get them some water if they need it.

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Anxiety Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. It's a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous. - https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety Anxiety is quite hard to live with and it’s different for everyone. A lot of people might not understand anxiety but everyone gets anxiety from time to time just other people are anxious all the time. What triggers one person's anxiety may not create the same response in someone else. A break-up, concern about exams or work, or an argument with a friend can make you feel anxious, worried or scared. Anxiety is an everyday feeling. But it can become a problem when there is no obvious reason for it. Or when anxious feelings persist for more than a couple of weeks. Physical effects of anxiety Dry mouth and/or difficulty swallowing Nightmares Difficulty getting to and staying asleep Poor concentration Muscle tension and headaches Rapid heart rate and breathing Sweating or trembling Diarrhoea A flare-up of another health problem or illness (for example, dermatitis, asthma) Some common ways anxiety can affect your behaviour and feelings Irritability or always being in a bad mood Having a strong urge to avoid situations that could trigger your anxiety Worry or always feeling that something bad is about to happen Asking a lot of needless questions and needing constant reassurance Being a perfectionist Being pessimistic and focusing on what may go wrong in any given situation https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/mental-health/anxiety.html How to deal with anxiety. Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed: Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head. Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest. Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below. Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly. Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary. Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get. Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think? Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way. Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress. Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern. Panic Attacks and Anxiety Remember if you're struggling, talk to someone. Talk to a friend, family member, teacher or just anyone. once you start talking it gets easier Helplines

Depression is more than just an unhappy feeling..... Depression Depression is more than an unhappy feeling for feeling fed up for a few days its much more than that. Everyone can feel sad from time to time but depression is constant and doesn't go away easily and someone might not know why they are depressed. Its not a sign of weakness or something you can just snap out of. Psychological Symptoms Losing interest or pleasure in Hobbies. Continuous low mood, emptiness or sadness. Feeling hopeless and helpless. Having low self-esteem. Feeling worthless or guilty. Feeling irritable and intolerant of others. Having no motivation or interest in things. Struggling to find purpose in life Feeling anxious or worried. Having thoughts or behaviours surrounding suicide or self-harm. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Talk with someone you trust - Teacher, Family member, Counsellor, Friend, Helpline. Write about how you are feeling. [Journal, Writing on a piece of paper then destroying it]. Meditation Play an instrument Read a book. Learn something new. Set small goals for yourself such as brushing your teeth, putting dirty dishes in the dish washer, brushing your hair, having a shower, hanging out with friends, make your bed - whatever goal you accomplish is a step forward no matter how big or small. Exercise. Coping strategies Physical Symptoms Changes in appetite or weight Sleep disturbances Fatigue or loss of energy Headaches Digestive issues Chronic pain Causes Bereavement Divorce Illness Redundancy - Job or money worries The experience of loss Stressful events Personality Family history/genetics Giving birth Loneliness Alcohol and drugs Illness Read More Treatment Therapies - CBT, EMDR, Art Therapy, Music therapy, Talking therapy, Behavioural Therapy. Antidepressants. Going to hospital. Talk to your doctor to find the best treatment option for you. Read More Support Its okay to reach out for support, its the bravest thing you can do. You're not alone, there's lots of services there to help. Ireland Aware Ireland My Mind Turn2me Jigsaw Childline Barnardos Alone Online support Phone support Samaritans - Call 116123 Pieta house - Call 1800 247 247, Text HELP to 51444 Crisis text line - Text HELLO to 50808 View More UK Hub Of Hope Depression UK Kooth Childline UK The MIX NHS Online support Phone support Samaritans - Call 116123 SHOUT - Text SHOUT to 85258 SANEline - Call 0300 304 7000 Papyrus - 0800 068 4141 Call 111 or 999 in an Emergency View More USA Mental health America Warmline Online support Phone support Call or text 988 For other countries go to our resources and helplines page Resources

Hope Shop The Hope Project shop is not on the website yet, it is on etsy. Follow the link below to purchase. Money made from the hope project shop will go towards website upgrades, Suicide prevention posters as so much more. SHOP

Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder Information, support and Tips on how to cope. What is Bipolar Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between periods of mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder may experience intense highs, increased energy, and impulsivity during manic episodes, followed by periods of deep sadness, low energy, and hopelessness during depressive episodes. The mood shifts can significantly impact a person's daily life and functioning. Rapid cycling bipolar Bipolar with mixed features Bipolar with seasonal pattern Bipolar 1 Bipolar 2 Cyclothymia Types Rapid cycling in bipolar disorder means experiencing four or more mood swings (manic, hypomanic, depressive, or mixed) in a year. It can make treatment more challenging and impact daily life, requiring adjustments to medications and therapy. Not everyone with bipolar disorder rapid cycles Rapid cycling Bipolar with mixed features Bipolar with mixed features means feeling both manic and depressed at the same time. This is sometimes called mixed bipolar state or mixed affective bipolar. Bipolar 1 Bipolar I is a mood disorder where individuals have at least one intense manic episode, characterized by elevated or irritable mood and increased energy. Depressive episodes may also occur, Cyclothymic Cyclothymic Disorder, or cyclothymia, is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It involves recurring periods of hypomanic symptoms (less severe than full-blown mania) and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode. Individuals with cyclothymia may experience mood swings, but the symptoms are less intense and do not typically interfere significantly with daily functioning. It's a chronic condition that lasts for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). Cyclothymic Disorder is considered a subtype within the broader category of bipolar and related disorders. Cyclothymia can be a difficult diagnosis to receive. You may feel as though someone is saying your symptoms are 'not serious enough', but this isn't the case. Cyclothymia can seriously impact your life. And mental health is a spectrum that covers lots of different experiences. Bipolar with seasonal pattern Bipolar disorder with seasonal pattern means that mood swings (like feeling high or low) follow a seasonal cycle. For some, depression may happen more in winter, and mania or high energy may occur in spring or summer. Bipolar II is a mood disorder marked by cycles of depression and hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, involving elevated mood and increased energy. Individuals with Bipolar II don't experience full-blown mania but still have significant mood shifts. Bipolar 2 Bipolar disorder with seasonal pattern means that mood swings (like feeling high or low) follow a seasonal cycle. For some, depression may happen more in winter, and mania or high energy may occur in spring or summer. Bipolar 2 You are not alone Learning to cope Dealing with bipolar disorder can be tough, especially without clear coping strategies. Finding effective ways to manage is Important for a better life. It's important to understand bipolar disorder personally, and professionals suggest these tips. While it might be challenging to find the right approach, staying open-minded and resilient can make a big difference. Monitor your mood You might find it helps to keep track of your moods over a period of time. You could try noting down mood patterns in a diary or on your phone. Understanding your triggers You might find it helps to understand what can trigger changes in your mood. Triggers are different for different people. Some examples include: Feeling overwhelmed or busy Stressful periods Significant life events, like weddings, having a child or losing a loved one Periods of change or uncertainty Lack of sleep Other physical or mental health issues Changes or problems with your treatment for bipolar disorder It can help to recognise these patterns. Then you can take action to avoid the trigger or minimise its impact. Learn your warning signs You may start to notice a pattern to how you feel before an episode. This could be changes in your: Sleeping pattern Eating patterns or appetite Behaviour Being aware that you're about to have a change in mood can help you make sure that: You have support systems in place You can focus on looking after yourself You're able to share warning signs with family and friends who can help you Stick to a routine Having a routine can help you feel calmer if your mood is high, motivated if your mood is low, and generally more stable. Your routine could include: Day-to-day activities, such as the time you eat meals and go to sleep. Making time for relaxation , mindfulness , hobbies and social plans. Taking any medication at the same time each day. This can also help you manage side effects and make sure there's a consistent level in your system. Mange stress Stress can trigger mood episodes . There are lots of things you can try which might help you to: Avoid stress Manage stress Look after yourself when you feel stressed Look after your physical health Try to get enough sleep. Disturbed sleep can be both a trigger and a symptom of episodes. Getting enough sleep can help you keep your mood stable or shorten an episode. Eat a healthy diet Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel well, think clearly and calm your mood. Exercise regularly Gentle exercise, like yoga or swimming, can help you relax and manage stress. Regular exercise can help by: Using up energy when you're feeling high Releasing endorphins – the 'feel-good' chemicals in the brain – when you're feeling low Build a support network Building a support network could help to manage your mood. This might include friends, family or other people in your life who you trust and can talk to. The kind of support they can offer includes: Being able to recognise signs that you may be experiencing a mood episode . Helping you look after yourself by keeping a routine or a healthy diet. Listening and offering their understanding. Helping you reflect on and remember what happened during a manic episode. Helping you plan for a crisis . Try to tell those around you what you find helpful and what you don't find helpful. For example, you can agree together what things you'd like their help with and what you would like to manage by yourself. Information from Bipolar UK Treatment Options Managing bipolar disorder involves reducing the intensity and frequency of depressive and manic episodes. Untreated episodes can endure for 3 to 6 months, with depressive episodes typically lasting between 6 to 12 months. With effective intervention, improvements are often noticeable within approximately 3 months. Various treatment approaches exist, including medications, psychological therapies, and lifestyle adjustments like dietary enhancements and better sleep habits. Your GP and psychiatrist will discuss these options with you, and many individuals with bipolar disorder can undergo treatment without requiring hospitalization. In severe cases or when governed by the Mental Health Act, hospitalization may be necessary due to the risk of self-harm or harm to others. A day hospital might be considered in certain situations, allowing for treatment during the day with the flexibility to return home at night. Therapy Options This may include: psychoeducation – to find out more about bipolar disorder cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) family therapy supportive psychotherapy (counselling) trauma informed psychotherapy Talking with a trained therapist is an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you deal with depression. They can also give you advice on how to improve relationships and address any unresolved trauma or emotional distress. Psychological treatment usually consists of around 16 sessions. Each session lasts an hour and takes place over a period of 6 to 9 months. Lifestyle Getting regular exercise Planning activities you enjoy that give you a sense of achievement Improving your diet Getting more sleep You can get lifestyle advice from your psychologist or community mental health team. Learning to recognise triggers You can learn to recognise the warning signs of an episode of mania or depression. Someone close to you may be able to help you identify your early signs of relapse from your history. For example, a mental health professional, peer support worker, family member or friend. Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) are very useful. Your local community mental health team can advise you on how to develop this plan. This will not prevent the episode from happening, but it will allow you to get help in time. This may mean making some changes to your treatment. Your GP or specialist can talk to you about this. -HSE Support Support can mean talking with a friend, family member, teacher, GP or Mental health services. Don't suffer in silence there are people there to listen. Bipolar UK St Patricks Mental health services Aware Ireland Ireland resources Other Countries Information from this website has come from the NHS, HSE and bipolar Uk.

Information on depression and how to cope. Depression Depression is more than an unhappy feeling for feeling fed up for a few days its much more than that. Everyone can feel sad from time to time but depression is constant and doesn't go away easily and someone might not know why they are depressed. Its not a sign of weakness or something you can just snap out of. With the right treatment Some with depression can make a full recovery. Symptoms continuous low mood or sadness feeling hopeless and helpless having low self-esteem feeling tearful feeling worthless or guilt-ridden feeling irritable and intolerant of others having no motivation or interest in things finding it difficult to make decisions not getting any enjoyment out of life irritable mood feeling anxious or worried having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself. moving or speaking slower than usual changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased) constipation unexplained aches and pains lack of energy low sex drive (loss of libido) changes to your menstrual cycle disturbed sleep – difficulty falling asleep, waking up early or sleeping more than usual not doing well at work avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities neglecting your hobbies and interests having difficulties in your home and family life. If you or someone you know is unsafe or having a medical emergency call your country's emergency number - 999, 911, 112, 111. For more information and resources go to our helpline page. Remember there will always be someone there to listen. View More Information on this page is from the HSE and NHS website. Causes bereavement divorce illness redundancy job or money worries Biological - Biological theories of depression place blame on the brain and the malfunctioning of some of the chemicals that comprise it. Psychological - The psychological theories of depression focus mostly on the experience of loss. Stressful events Personality Family history Giving birth Loneliness Alcohol and drugs Illness Read more Treatment for depression can involve a combination of: self-help talking therapies medicines Exercise Exercise can help depression and it's one of the main treatments for mild depression. Antidepressants Antidepressants are tablets that treat the symptoms of depression. There are almost 30 different types of antidepressant. Your doctor will prescribe these. Combination therapy Your GP may recommend that you take a course of antidepressants plus talking therapy. For moderate to severe depression, an antidepressant and CBT usually works better than one treatment. Mental health teams You may be referred to a mental health team. They could include psychologists, psychiatrists, specialist nurses and occupational therapists. These teams often provide intensive specialist talking treatments as well as prescribed medication. Talking treatments Your doctor may refer you to talking therapy for moderate to severe depression. Read more

About the Hope project T heHopeProject.ie is a mental health resource website created by Charlotte McDonnell, a teenager from Tipperary, Ireland. The website offers support and information for those struggling with mental health issues in Ireland, with an emphasis on providing hope and encouragement. The website features articles on a range of mental health topics, incl uding depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. These articles aim to provide information and practical advice on managing mental health issues. The website also offers a directory of mental health support services available in Ireland, including phone and online support services. The website's message of hope and encouragement can be especially beneficial for young people who may be experiencing mental health challenges for the first time. Overall, TheHopeProject.ie is a valuable resource for those seeking support and guidance on mental health issues in Ireland. The website's emphasis on hope and the availability of resources and information can be a lifeline for anyone struggling with their mental health. In 2020 the Hope project was created on Instagram. It started off as just sharing quotes, helpline numbers for Ireland and spreading awareness on mental health and suicide. I came up with the idea due to my own struggles with mental health and the system in Ireland. I wanted people to know they aren't alone and there's support there . In January 2022 I created the hope project website, I was still struggling with my mental health but I wanted a reason to keep going so I really pushed myself and made the hope project bigger and better. I got in contact with TDs, HSE and many other people to tell them a change needs to be made to the mental health system in Ireland as the current system is not working and adolescents are being left alone when they need these services. The website was created with the idea to have a safe place online for people worldwide to go to when they may be struggling. The project then went onto TikTok. From TikTok the hope project gained a bigger following. In the summer of 2022 I opened a shop to sell items to raise money for suicide prevention posters, website upgrades, future events etc. The Hope project hoodie was the first item to be created. The idea of it was that if someone was wearing the hoodie and other people who may be struggling saw it, they may think that it does get better and take it as a sign to keep going. The hope project now runs itself, I do update the website once or twice a month and I'm always posting on the Instagram and TikTok. I couldn't have created the project without the support from my friends, family and especially the followers of the hope project. I hope to help many more people in the future with the hope project and the message will always stay the same. - HOPE - Hold On, Pain Ends. You will get through every hard day. The pain you may be feeling now wont last forever. Stay strong. I'm proud of you all. - Charlotte Mac