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.

Suicidal thoughts If you are having thoughts of suicide you're not alone. They can be scary and they can give you many other unwanted feelings and thoughts. Remember you don't have to act on these thoughts. You are so loved and worth so much. There is help Available. Sintomi di Ideazione suicida Getting help for suicidal thoughts Talking to someone about how you are feeling can help. Once you start talking it gets better. You can talk to a family, friend, teacher, anyone who you trust. Go to your doctor. They can get different resources for you and run tests to find out what's going on. Book an appointment to see a therapist. If you feel you cant keep yourself safe you can call the police or ambulance or you can go to your nearest hospital. I know it can be frightening to do this but these people want to help you and you're NOT wasting anyone's time. Everyone needs help from time to time. Call a helpline. If you or someone you know is in crisis or having a medical emergency call your country's emergency number 999, 112, 911, 000 Helplines IE - Call 1800 247 247, or text HELLO to 50808 UK - Call 116 123 or text HELLO to 85258 USA - Call 988 or text HOME to 741 741 more resources and helplines here Making a safety plan can really help when the thoughts get too much. It can distract and ground you. It also helps to remind you of the good things in life. You can download this safety plan template and create your own. When you feel unsafe you can read the safety plan and follow and safety tips and distractions you have. If the safety plan doesn't help its time to call an ambulance or go to hospital. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Its worth getting help for. If someone you know is thinking of suicide the best thing you can do is listen and not judge. It can be hard to hear that someone you love is feeling like this but there is options for you too if you're upset or overwhelmed. Remember if you feel that you need to get them help by teling someone else thats okay. They might not understand or be upset but their safety matters.

The Hope Team "What is the Hope Team?" The Hope Team is a small group of people who work together to improve the Hope Project. They also raise awareness about mental health and suicide. Right now, the team is new and only operates in Ireland and the UK. But in the future, we hope to have more people involved from all around the world. Join us "Who can be apart of this team?" Anyone Over the age of 15 from Ireland or The UK Can be. "How can I Join?" All you have to do is press the button below and fill out all the requested information. After that someone from the hope project will be in contact. If you have anymore questions email thehopeproject.ie@gmail.com

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. Respirazione Se stai respirando velocemente durante un attacco di panico, fare un esercizio di respirazione può alleviare gli altri sintomi. Prova questo: Inspira più lentamente, profondamente e delicatamente che puoi, attraverso il naso. Espira lentamente, profondamente e delicatamente attraverso la bocca. Alcune persone trovano utile contare costantemente da uno a cinque per ogni inspirazione ed espirazione. Chiudi gli occhi e concentrati sul respiro. Tecnica 5,4,3,2,1 Se stai avendo un attacco di panico, la tecnica di messa a terra 5,4,3,2,1 può essere molto utile. Ecco come: Nomina 5 cose che puoi vedere, Nomina 4 cose che puoi sentire, Nomina 3 cose che puoi sentire, Nomina 2 cose che puoi annusare, Nomina 1 cosa che puoi assaggiare. Questa tecnica è per metterti a terra e aiutarti a concentrarti. Quello che stiamo cercando di fare è radicarti e farti sentire più in controllo per affrontare meglio. A volte avere qualcosa nelle tue mani mentre esegui queste tecniche può davvero aiutare. Ad esempio tenere in mano cubetti di ghiaccio o giocare con un giocattolo irrequieto. Ci sono anche alcune app che puoi scaricare che possono aiutarti a calmarti. Radicato Respiro Chiara paura Spazio di testa Diario Daylio Woebot Ad alcune persone piace svolgere attività per concentrare la mente su qualcos'altro. Per esempio: Disegno Colorazione Carta strappata Guardare un film Ascolta la musica ad alto volume Andando a fare una camminata Giocare/passare del tempo con un animale domestico. Chiamare un amico Può essere qualsiasi cosa, se ti aiuta questo è ciò che conta. Fare un piccolo piano su cosa puoi fare quando senti un attacco di panico in arrivo o quando averne uno può essere utile. Un piccolo elenco di cose che puoi fare in quel momento può aiutarti. Aiutare qualcuno che sta avendo un attacco di panico. Può essere spaventoso quando qualcuno che conosci sta avendo un attacco di panico, ma ci sono alcune semplici cose che puoi fare per aiutarlo: Mantieni la calma , mantieni la tua voce calma e non parlare o concentrarti su ciò che sta accadendo loro durante un attacco di panico. Ricorda loro che sono al sicuro e che presto sarà finita. Chiedi loro se hanno bisogno di qualcosa . Qualcuno che ha un attacco di panico potrebbe non essere sempre in grado di dirti di cosa ha bisogno, ma chiedere può aiutare a ricordare loro che non sono soli. Aiutali a respirare. Prova a contare ad alta voce mentre inspiri per 5 secondi ed espiri per 5 secondi. Sostieni il dopo, portali in un posto tranquillo per calmarsi e procuragli dell'acqua se ne hanno bisogno.

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

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. Carlotta Mac Ciao, mi chiamo Charlotte Mac e ho 16 anni da Tipperary, Irlanda. Ho creato questo sito Web perché ho lottato con la mia salute mentale per molti anni e I so cosa si prova a essere soli e com'è quando la malattia mentale prende tutta la tua vita. Voglio fare la differenza e aiutare le persone. Questo sito è un posto sicuro per chiunque. Ci sono gruppi e informazioni su risorse e servizi per la salute mentale e se tu o qualcuno che conosci sta lottando, ci sono informazioni anche per questo. Puoi anche contattarmi via e-mail o il pulsante "LETS CHAT". Puoi essere te stesso qui e sei così forte e coraggioso. -Amore Charlotte xx

Resources and helplines in Ireland Resources and Helplines in Ireland Nationally Pieta house Pieta provides free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress, engage in self-harm, or bereaved by suicide, 24/7. Call 1800 247 247, Text HELP to 51444. Read More Bodywhys Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, is the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders Call 012107906 email alex@bodywhys.ie Read More Samaritans They are there , day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Call 116 123 Email jo@samaritans.ie Read More Aware Supporting Your Mental Health. Aware undertakes to create a society where people affected by stress, depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions are understood, supported, free from stigma, and are encouraged to access appropriate therapies. Freephone: 1800 80 48 48 Read More Childline Childline is open every day and is for all children and young people in Ireland up to and including the age of 18. Call 1800 66 66 66 Read More Jigsaw Jigsaw offer expert mental health advice and support, online and in person, to young people across Ireland, aged 12 - 25 years-old. Read More 999/112 Call 999/112 in an emergency or if yours or someone else's life is at risk. National services Turn2Me They offer self-help, peer support and professional support through an online platform for those who are experiencing poor mental health. More Info Grow Grow Mental Health is a charity that provides free, friendly community based, peer support groups for anyone who is experiencing a mental health issue. More Info Shine Supporting people effected by mental ill health and their families through information and education. More Info ParentLine Parentline is a national, confidential helpline that offers parents support, information and guidance on all aspects of being a parent and any parenting issues. More Info Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy List of registered Counsellors & Psychotherapists practicing in Ireland More Info Womens Aid Confidential information, support and understanding to women who are being abused by current or former boyfriends, partners or husbands. More Info The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre For people who have experienced sexual assult, rape or childhood sexual abuse. More Info Aoibhneas Women and Children’s Refuge Domestic abuse support for women and children. 24-hour support, information and referral services, access to safe accommodation – for women and children forced to leave their home due to domestic abuse. More Info LGBT Ireland National support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and their families and friends. More Info If you are struggling with your mental health go to your GP so they can direct you to the best services in your area. If you or someone you know is in Crisis go to the emergency department or call 112

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

The Hope Project is an Online Mental health forum where people all over the world can get information, support, advice and so much more. - thehopeproject Welcome to HOPE HOPE - Hold On, Pain Ends About Us Not all Storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.... Quote of the month Information Anxiety Depression Eating Disorders Self Harm Panic Attacks Suicidal thoughts Your Stories "I've been suffering from mental health issues for about 3 years and been struggling with self harm & suicidal thoughts for most of that time. one day last year i had just had enough and i’d completely given up & lost hope that anything would get better, that night i made an attempt on my life which then landed me in hospital requiring treatment. for anyone considering taking their lives please give life another shot, i know things are unimaginably tough for you right now but things can improve with time and the right help. you matter, you’re strong and the world is a better place with you in it. keep fighting <3" Read More

OCD Obsessive. Compulsive. Disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts ("obsessions") and/or behaviours ("compulsions") that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over. People with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. These symptoms can interfere with all aspects of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships. Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Common symptoms include: Fear of germs or contamination Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm Aggressive thoughts towards others or self Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order Compulsions are repetitive behaviours that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought. Common compulsions include: Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off Compulsive counting Not all rituals or habits are compulsions. Everyone double checks things sometimes. But a person with OCD generally: Can't control his or her thoughts or behaviours, even when those thoughts or behaviours are recognized as excessive Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviours Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviours or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviours Some individuals with OCD also have a tic disorder. Motor tics are sudden, brief, repetitive movements, such as eye blinking and other eye movements, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking. Common vocal tics include repetitive throat-clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds. Symptoms may come and go, ease over time, or worsen. People with OCD may try to help themselves by avoiding situations that trigger their obsessions, or they may use alcohol or drugs to calm themselves. Although most adults with OCD recognize that what they are doing doesn’t make sense, some adults and most children may not realize that their behaviour is out of the ordinary. Parents or teachers typically recognize OCD symptoms in children. If you think you have OCD, talk to your health care provider about your symptoms. If left untreated, OCD can interfere in all aspects of life. Some common obsessions include: intense worry about catching a disease or infection thinking about having to do things in a certain order or number of times to feel safe and reduce anxiety fear of acting inappropriately fear of harming others or yourself, even though you may have no intention to do so You may have unwanted sexual thoughts or images that you fear you may act on. While these thoughts can be distressing, it does not mean you will act on them. Getting help Get help if you think you have OCD and it's having a neg ative impact on your life. If you think a friend has OCD, find out if their thoughts or behaviours are causing problems for them. For example, in their daily routines and quality of life. OCD is unlikely to get better on its own. Treatment and support can help you manage your symptoms. To get help, talk to your GP. They can refer you to local psychological support services. Tips for dealing with OCD selfcare for OCD 7 strategies to deal with OCD OCD in Children Paediatric OCD Helping a child with OCD Information used on this page is gathered from. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/ Support Ireland Resources and helplines

ADHD - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder that impacts people. Individuals with ADHD may appear restless, have difficulty concentrating, and may act on impulse. ADHD symptoms are often seen at a young age and may become more obvious as a child's surroundings change, such as starting school. The majority of instances are diagnosed while children are under the age of 12, however it can be diagnosed later in life. ADHD is sometimes misdiagnosed as a youngster and only discovered as an adult. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain's ability to control attention, impulses, and behavior. People with ADHD may have difficulty focusing on tasks, organizing themselves, and completing tasks. They may also be hyperactive and impulsive, finding it difficult to sit still or control their actions. ADHD can affect people of all ages, and while it is more common in children, it can also affect adults. The exact cause of ADHD is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for ADHD, but it can be managed with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. With the right treatment, people with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives. Other issues, including as sleep and anxiety difficulties, may occur in people with ADHD. Parents of ADHD children Caring for a child with ADHD can be difficult, but it's vital to realise that they can't control their behaviour. Certain daily activities may be more challenging for you and your kid, such as: how to persuade your child to sleep at night getting ready for school on time, listening to and following directions, being organised for social events, and shopping. Adults with ADHD Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with: organisation and time management following instructions focusing and completing tasks coping with stress feeling restless or impatient impulsiveness and risk taking Some adults may also have issues with relationships or social interaction. Children with ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can pose challenges for children in various aspects of life, including school, social interactions, and self-regulation. Here are some common symptoms of ADHD in children: Inattention: Children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, following instructions, and completing tasks. They may also struggle to organize and prioritize their activities and often appear forgetful or absent-minded. Hyperactivity: Children with ADHD may exhibit excessive restlessness and fidgeting, often appearing as if they are constantly on the go. They may have difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn, or playing quietly. Impulsivity: Children with ADHD may act without thinking and have difficulty controlling their impulses. They may interrupt others, blurt out answers, and have difficulty waiting their turn. Forgetfulness: Children with ADHD may forget to do tasks or may lose things frequently. Difficulty with Executive Functioning: This includes difficulty with starting tasks, planning, organizing, and completing tasks. It is essential to note that every child with ADHD may exhibit a different combination of symptoms, and these symptoms may vary in severity. If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, it is recommended to seek professional evaluation and treatment. However, there are several strategies that can help children cope with ADHD: Establish a Routine: Children with ADHD tend to benefit from having a structured routine, as it can help them manage their time and stay focused. Set a regular schedule for daily activities, including waking up, meals, homework, and bedtime. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can make them more manageable for children with ADHD. This can help reduce overwhelm and make it easier for them to focus on one task at a time. Use Visual Aids: Visual aids such as pictures, charts, or calendars can help children with ADHD understand and remember tasks and responsibilities. For instance, you can use a whiteboard to list daily tasks or a color-coded calendar to help them keep track of important dates. Provide Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can encourage good behavior and help children with ADHD stay motivated. Praise and reward their efforts, such as completing a task, staying focused, or following instructions. Encourage Physical Activity: Physical activity can help reduce hyperactivity and improve focus in children with ADHD. Encourage your child to engage in regular physical activities, such as sports, dancing, or yoga. Seek Professional Help: ADHD is a medical condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. Seek help from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, who can provide appropriate treatment options, including medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Support and Empathize: Support your child and show empathy for their struggles. Children with ADHD may experience frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Show them that you understand their challenges and are there to help them cope and succeed. Strategies for coping There are several strategies and techniques that can be helpful for managing ADHD symptoms. Here are some tips: Seek a professional diagnosis: If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to get a professional diagnosis from a healthcare provider. This can help you understand your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that's tailored to your needs. Medication: Medication can be an effective treatment for ADHD. There are several types of medication available that can help improve concentration, focus, and impulse control. However, it's important to work with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for you. Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help you learn coping strategies and develop new habits to manage your symptoms. This can include techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and organizational skills training. Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also help reduce stress and improve mood. Sleep hygiene: Getting enough sleep is important for managing ADHD symptoms. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can help improve sleep quality. Organization: Establishing routines and systems for organizing your home, workspace, and schedule can help reduce distractions and improve productivity. Support: Finding a support group or talking with friends and family can provide emotional support and help you feel less isolated. Remember, everyone with ADHD is different, so it's important to find strategies that work for you. A combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes may be necessary for optimal management of ADHD symptoms More resources Support Ireland: HADD Ireland provides information, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by ADHD. Shine offers support for people with ADHD as well as other mental health conditions. UK: ADHD Foundation provides support, advice, and training for people with ADHD, their families, and professionals. ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) provides information and resources about ADHD. America: CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) offers education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD and their families. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) provides support, information, and resources for individuals with ADHD. Canada: CADDAC (Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada) provides information, support, and advocacy for individuals with ADHD and their families. ADHD Canada provides information and resources about ADHD, including support groups and workshops.