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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. Ademen Als u tijdens een paniekaanval snel ademt, kan het doen van een ademhalingsoefening uw andere symptomen verlichten. Probeer dit: Adem zo langzaam, diep en zacht mogelijk in door je neus. Adem langzaam, diep en zacht uit door je mond. Sommige mensen vinden het nuttig om bij elke inademing en elke uitademing gestaag van één tot vijf te tellen. Sluit je ogen en concentreer je op je ademhaling. 5,4,3,2,1 techniek Als je een paniekaanval hebt, kan de 5,4,3,2,1 aardingstechniek erg nuttig zijn. Dit is hoe: Noem 5 dingen die je kunt zien, Noem 4 dingen die je kunt voelen, Noem 3 dingen die je kunt horen, Noem 2 dingen die je kunt ruiken, Noem 1 ding dat je kunt proeven. Deze techniek is om je te aarden en je te helpen focussen. ​ Wat we proberen te doen is u te aarden en u meer controle te geven om er beter mee om te gaan. ​ Soms kan het echt helpen om iets in je handen te hebben terwijl je deze technieken toepast. Bijvoorbeeld ijsblokjes vasthouden of spelen met een fidget speeltje. ​ ​ Er zijn ook enkele apps die u kunt downloaden die u kunnen helpen kalmeren. Rootd Ademwerk Duidelijke angst hoofdruimte Dagboek van Daylio Woebot Sommige mensen doen graag activiteiten om hun geest op iets anders te concentreren. Bijvoorbeeld: Tekening kleuren Papier scheuren Een film kijken Luister heel hard naar muziek Op stap gaan Spelen/tijd doorbrengen met een huisdier. Een vriend bellen ​ Het kan van alles zijn, als het je helpt, daar gaat het om. ​ Een klein plan maken over wat je kunt doen als je een paniekaanval voelt opkomen of wanneer je er een hebt, kan nuttig zijn. Een kleine lijst met dingen die u op dat moment kunt doen, kan u helpen. ​ Iemand helpen die een paniekaanval heeft. Het kan eng zijn als iemand die je kent een paniekaanval heeft, maar er zijn enkele eenvoudige dingen die je kunt doen om hem of haar te helpen: Blijf kalm , houd je stem kalm en praat niet over of concentreer je niet op wat er met hen gebeurt tijdens een paniekaanval. Herinner hen eraan dat ze veilig zijn en dat het snel voorbij zal zijn. Vraag of ze iets nodig hebben . Iemand die een paniekaanval heeft, kan je misschien niet altijd vertellen wat hij of zij nodig heeft, maar vragen kan hem eraan helpen herinneren dat hij niet de enige is. Help ze ademen. Probeer hardop te tellen terwijl je 5 seconden inademt en 5 seconden uit. Ondersteun ze daarna, neem ze mee naar een rustige plek om te kalmeren en geef ze wat water als ze dat nodig hebben.

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

Hope Project News Here you can find all media Interviews, News and events regarding the hope project and so much more. 01/ 03/ 2023 TippFm " We are the forgotten generation when it comes to mental health" ​ "Charlotte is 17 years old from Carrick on Suir. She set up the Hope Project two years ago when she was just 15. The ‘Hope’ part of the group is an abbreviation for ‘Hold on Pain Ends.’ The Project has a community of people from all around the globe. Charlotte was in studio with Fran. Press here to Listen. 14/ 02/ 2023 Irish Examiner "Case study: 'Under-18s are the forgotten generation' Charlotte McDonnell (17) was not surprised at the latest report criticising the Camhs, having faced obstacles during her time with the services in Tipperary." Press here to read full article Photo taken by John D Kelly 03/ 02/ 2023 Tipperary Live " Carrick-on-Suir teenager's HOPE Project campaigns for better mental health services for young people. A Carrick-on-Suir teenager is the founder of an online project promoting mental health awareness and advocating for better mental health services for young people. The Hope Project website was set up by Charlotte McDonnell two years ago when she was 15-years-old ​ Press here to read full article 03/ 11/ 2022 WLRFM "Charlotte Mac is a 17 year-old living in Carrick who joined Damien in studio to discuss her website The Hope Project. She set it up two years ago when she was just 15. The 'Hope' part of the website is an abbreviation for 'Hold On Pain Ends.' The Project has a community of people from all around the globe, including in America and the UK." Press here to listen

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

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. What are suicidal thoughts? Feeling suicidal can range from thinking about dying to planning how to do it. It might make you feel scared or overwhelmed, but it's important to know you're not alone. Many people go through these thoughts at some point in their lives. People experience suicidal feelings differently. You might feel overwhelmed by tough emotions, feeling like you can't handle them. It might not be so much about wanting to die, but feeling like you can't keep living the way you are. These feelings can grow gradually or fluctuate from one moment to the next. It's normal to feel confused about why you're feeling this way. These thoughts aren't permanent, You will feel okay again, with the right support . When you're in the grip of suicidal feelings, it can be really tough. It might seem like there's no way out, like acting on those feelings is the only option, or that nothing can make the pain go away. But remember, those feelings, though intense, can pass. In this moment, there are things you can try. Even if it feels like nothing will make a difference, give these strategies a chance. You might feel differently once you've given them a shot. Instead of fixating on the future, focus on getting through this moment or day. You've likely experienced similar feelings before, and they've eventually faded. Remind yourself that this pain is temporary; it will likely ease with time. Try changing your immediate thoughts by doing something different or shifting your focus. It doesn't have to be a big change—small steps can help. ​ Don’t make a decision today You don’t need to act on your thoughts right now. You can try to focus on just getting through now, or today, and not the rest of your life. You may have had these thoughts before, but you feel less able to cope today. You might find that you are more able to cope in a few days. ​ Other ways to cope Talk to someone about how you are feeling - This could be a Family Member, Teacher, Friend, Counsellor or a Hotline. If you are finding it hard to talk about what you’re going through, you can try starting with: “Lately, I’ve been feeling…” “I think it started when…” “I’ve been feeling this for a while…” or “I’m thinking about…” Write about your feelings, Writing down how you are feeling can really help. Writing in a journal or on a piece of paper and then destroying that paper can give you a sense of relief. Take things a little at a time. Set out to get through the next day, the next week or month, perhaps the next hour or even less. Tell yourself: "I've got through so far, I can get through the next hour". Coping with these thoughts What you May think or feel ​ hopeless, like there is no point in living tearful and overwhelmed by negative thoughts unbearable pain that you can't imagine ending useless, not wanted or not needed by others desperate, as if you have no other choice like everyone would be better off without you cut off from your body or physically numb fascinated by death. What you may experience poor sleep, including waking up earlier than you want to a change in appetite, weight gain or loss no desire to take care of yourself, for example neglecting your physical appearance wanting to avoid others making a will or giving away possessions struggling to communicate self-loathing and low self-esteem urges to self-harm . Mind.org Distractions ​ Do something else, and focus your attention fully on what you're doing, e.g. • Gardening Household chores Physical exercise - walk, run, cycle, dance. Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) Reading - magazine, self help book Television Seek out a supportive discussion forum on the internet • Learn something new on the internet • Go to the park, the beach - pay attention to nature. Visit someone Music Play with a pet. DIY Feed the birds Sudoku or crossword Do something creative: painting, writing, knitting, play a musical instrument, make a collage, bake a cake, cook a meal, arrange some flowers, make a website or blog. Safety Plan Having a safety plan while in a moment of crisis can be extremely helpful. You can make your own on websites and apps such as: Canva Word Phonto Or you can download some online. Samaritans Getselfhelp SpunOut.ie Everylifematters Resources and helplines Ireland Samaritans - Call 116123 or email Jo@samaritans.ie . ​ Pieta House - Call 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444 ​ Text about it - Text HELLO to 50808 ​ Childline - For people up to the age of 18 Freephone 1800 66 66 66 Text 50101 Live chat at www.childline.ie ​ Go to your GP if you are struggling. In an emergency go to your local hospital or call 999 and ask for Ambulance or Gardi For other Countries please go to our resources and helplines page. Resources If you think that its the end remember your life is just beginning. UK Samaritans - Call 116123 Email jo@samaritans.org ​ Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day Visit the webchat page ​ Papyrus – prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247 Call 0800 068 41 41 Text 07860 039967 Email pat@papyrus-uk.org ​ Childline – for children and young people under 19 Call 0800 1111 SOS Silence of Suicide – for everyone Call 0300 1020 505 – 4pm to midnight every day Email support@sossilenceofsuicide.org ​ Shout Crisis Text Line – for everyone Text "SHOUT" to 85258 ​ YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – for people under 19 Text "YM" to 85258 ​ Go to your GP if you are struggling. If you or someone you know is in Crisis call 999 and ask for Ambulance or Police, or go to your nearest hospital. You will get through this, You are not alone.

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

Your stories Welcome, this part of the hope project is called "your stories". Here you can submit your own story anonymously and if you choose it will be posted here. You can write about anything from your mental health struggles and feelings, bullying, school stress, something traumatic that happened to you etc. This is a way to talk about something that you are too scared to tell anyone. You can also read other peoples story's because maybe you will relate and wont feel so alone. Whatever your story is we are here to listen and it matters. Please press the link to be taken to where you can submit your story. Bekijk meer ik lijd al ongeveer 3 jaar aan psychische problemen en worstel het grootste deel van die tijd met zelfbeschadiging en zelfmoordgedachten. op een dag vorig jaar had ik er gewoon genoeg van en ik had het volledig opgegeven en de hoop verloren dat alles beter zou worden, die nacht deed ik een aanslag op mijn leven waardoor ik in het ziekenhuis belandde waar ik moest worden behandeld. voor iedereen die overweegt zijn leven te nemen, geef het leven nog een kans, ik weet dat de dingen momenteel onvoorstelbaar moeilijk voor je zijn, maar dingen kunnen met de tijd en de juiste hulp verbeteren. jij doet er toe, je bent sterk en de wereld is een betere plek met jou erin. blijf vechten <3 Ik worstel al jaren met geestelijke gezondheid, het is het moeilijkste dat ik heb moeten doormaken omdat ik me zo alleen voelde, zelfs toen mensen me probeerden te helpen. Ik heb het gevoel dat ik mezelf het afgelopen jaar volledig ben kwijtgeraakt en ik ben de hele tijd depressief en angstig. Of ik voel me gewoon verdoofd en dat is nog erger. Ik heb veel zelfmoordpogingen gehad en ben ook in het ziekenhuis opgenomen. Ik heb steun van mijn familie en vrienden en hoe veel ze ook proberen, ze kunnen niet helpen. Mijn zelfmoordgedachten werden zo veel sterker en elke dag doorgaan voelt alsof ik een marathon loop. Het gaat steeds beter, het is gewoon moeilijk. Ik weet dat ik op een dag gelukkig zal zijn, het is gewoon zo moeilijk om daarop te wachten. Als je het moeilijk hebt, blijf dan niet alleen vliegen xxx Anchor 1 Hallo, dit is mijn verhaal. Als kind had ik het moeilijk om op te groeien, ik kreeg te horen dat ik niet veel dingen kon doen en ze dachten dat ik dat nooit zou kunnen. Ik heb spina bifida. Spina bifida is een diagnose die door artsen wordt gesteld terwijl je in de baarmoeder bent of zodra je geboren bent of zo zeiden ze toen ik een kind was, maar nu kan je later in je leven de diagnose krijgen. Ik kreeg de diagnose toen ik twee werd, ze bleven mijn moeder vertellen dat er niets mis met me was, maar dat was wel zo. Het was moeilijk om op te groeien door in het openbaar te worden veroordeeld tot gepest te worden op school om totaal anders te worden behandeld en het is niet eerlijk. Mensen beschouwen me als geluk omdat er andere mensen zijn die het veel erger hebben dan ik en dat weet ik. Ik word als een geluksvogel beschouwd in vergelijking met hen omdat ik kan lopen, ik kan mijn leven leiden en daar ben ik geweldig vol voor. We mogen niet anders behandeld worden. Omdat ik nog op de middelbare school zit, is de strijd nog niet gestreden, maar je moet door. Ik ga het goud onder de regenboog bereiken 🌈 Dat is mijn verhaal De afgelopen 3 of 4 jaar heb ik te maken gehad met een slechte geestelijke gezondheid, ik ben bij verschillende organisaties geweest voor therapie. Ik worstelde met zelfmoordgedachten en zou overwegen om er dagelijks naar te handelen. Ik zou mezelf pijn doen en er waren dagen dat ik niets anders wilde doen dan in bed blijven, weg van de wereld. Maar na een tijdje therapie ging ik beter begrijpen hoe ik me voelde. Scheuren kunnen niet volledig genezen, maar ik weet dat ik een stuk gelukkiger ben dan ooit, want ik had gehoopt en hard gewerkt om te zijn waar ik nu ben. Er is licht aan het einde van een tunnel en als je eenmaal beseft dat je niet de enige bent, is dat je eerste stap in de goede richting. Ik heb 7 keer geprobeerd een einde aan mijn leven te maken, de laatste keer dat ik een hele tijd in het ziekenhuis lag. Ik denk er nog steeds over om het opnieuw te doen, maar dan herinner ik me alle mensen die ik zou achterlaten en dat kan ik ze niet aandoen. Mensen zeggen dat het beter zal worden, maar ik weet dat het veel tijd zal kosten om daar te komen, maar ik weet dat ik dit kan. JE HEBT DIT IK GELOOF IN JE! Ik worstel al sinds mijn 12e met mijn geestelijke gezondheid, ik ben nu bijna 30 en heb een lijst met diagnoses. Op dit moment is elke seconde van elke dag een strijd. maar ik weet dat ik dit 18 jaar heb overleefd, dus nu opgeven zou dat allemaal weggooien. Ik wil gewoon dat het beter wordt. Ik ben het vechten moe. Ik heb periodes van geluk gehad, dus ik weet dat die op een dag terug zullen komen, maar het is zo moeilijk om me daarop te concentreren als de dingen zo donker worden. mijn verhaal begon toen ik 10 jaar oud was toen ik seksueel werd misbruikt door een van mijn broers, vrienden, het gebeurde meerdere keren en het raakte me pas echt toen ik 14 of 15 was. ik begon echt angstig te worden en ook op scherp als lijdend aan depressieve episodes. in die tijd begon ik mezelf te beschadigen als een manier om ermee om te gaan. het was toen ik 16 was toen ik suïcidale gedachten kreeg die me de hele tijd in beslag namen. ik ben momenteel 17 en vecht nog steeds met mijn geest, zelfmoordgedachten en de gedachte aan een terugval. ik hoop aan iedereen die dit leest dat het goed met je gaat en dat je sterk blijft. je bent zo gewaardeerd. je bent zo waardig. en ik hou zoveel van je dat is mijn verhaal x I recently lost my uncle to cancer and it fully destroyed me, i ended up shutting myself away and turning to self harm as i couldn't even start to explain the feelings in me. But there is always a light at the end of the tunnel even when its beyond hard to find, but throughout it ive learnt theres always going to be someone there to help you and get you back on the right track x "I’ve been struggling my whole life with my mental health I grew up with drug addicted parents and the trauma and pain from that really broke me I found one of my parents almost dead one day but I never really understood half of it tell I got older it only got worse when I started secondary school I spiralled into a bad depression I started self harming and developing my own mental issues on top of the trauma I grew up with the pain I felt inside broke me racing sad thoughts 24 hours of the day and I jsut couldn’t think about anything else I tried loads of things to help me but nothing stopped I had restless nights and a chest filled with axienty all the times I was sent to camhs and told them all of my story and I was told I was looking for attention at that point I felt so alone that I was nearing a attempt on my life i tried peita house they where good but it Only helped for a few hours to share my story but it dint change anything for me I was so tired of it all I left school stopped doing the things I loved and I felt so bad because most of the pain I was feeling was projected onto others with anger and I just wanted to scream my pain out but I jsut couldn’t in fear of being judged every day was a loop i simply thought nobody would care and when I came home every day or night I had nobody to turn to because my parents would be on drugs or asleep because they where taking drugs the night before. I grew up so quick because of all this I still struggle to this day but I’m getting better now the scars I have are just battle scars and it reminds me everyday that I’m strong because look what I got myself through makes me feel so proud of myself because I’ve been through the unthinkable sad life and I somehow pulled through -HOLD ON PAIN ENDS" Your Stories Do you want your story submitted anonymously on the page. Choose an Issue Write Your story here Send Thank you, You are very brave.

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

Neem contact met mij op Ierland 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. Naam E-mail Onderwerp Bericht Indienen

Supporting others Life can be tough for everyone, especially for those dealing with mental health problems. This page is here to show you how to help someone who might be having a hard time, whether they're a friend, family, someone from school, or even a stranger. Sometimes, saying or doing the right thing can make a big difference. What are the signs that someone is struggling? Sometimes there is small signs that someone is struggling but other times there may be something that they could say or do that will set off alarm bells. Its important to be informed on what to look out for. Changes in Behavior: Look for significant changes in their behavior, such as social withdrawal, increased irritability, mood swings, or unexplained agitation. Emotional Distress: Frequent and intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or anger that seem overwhelming. Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleeping can be indicators of mental health issues. Appetite and Weight Changes: A noticeable increase or decrease in appetite and weight can be signs of emotional distress. Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus, make decisions, or remember things can be a sign of mental health challenges. Lack of Interest: Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy, such as hobbies, work, or socializing. Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue may be related to mental health. Neglecting Personal Care: A significant decline in personal hygiene or self-care. Substance Abuse: An increase in alcohol or drug use as a coping mechanism. Isolation: Avoiding social interactions or cutting off contact with friends and family. Extreme Mood Swings: Severe and sudden shifts in mood that are not typical for the person. Expressions of Hopelessness: Statements or behaviors that suggest they feel trapped, worthless, or that life isn't worth living. How to help someone that is struggling. This is a paragraph. Use this area to add any information you want to share with users. Just click "Edit Text" or double click here to change the text and make it your own. You can also adjust the paragraph's font, size and color so it fits your website’s theme. ​ This is a great place to tell users a story about your website and let them know more about what you offer. You may want to share information about your company's background, your team, or the services you provide. Be sure to keep the tone and voice consistent throughout the site so users become familiar with your brand. Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890

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.