Each of us holds individual values sacred, which tell the story of who we are and what is important to us. If we closely align our personal goals with the things we most value, we will feel happier and find better balance.

Check out my 4 week Mind and Mental Wellbeing Plan beginning on 1st January 2017 in The Sunday Business Post.

I was honoured to be asked to feature in this powerful video for the 2016 Glaxosmithkline Ireland Impact award winning charity NURTURE, which offers a nationwide no wait list counselling service to women during conception, pregnancy and childbirth.

"About 10% of women suffer from Postnatal Depression. There is a stigma around mental health generally, but in terms of maternal mental health I think it's difficult for mothers to reach out and to say they need help ~ With Nurture what I admire about them is this no wait list policy so it means that within a week or two, the woman will get seen ~ It's all about nurturing the mother to nurture herself but also to nurture her relationship with her baby".

Below...  I joined Minister for Health Simon Harris in a lively discussion entitled “The Future is Unwritten” on the future of mental health which was chaired by Roisin Ingles, from the Irish Times. This was part of a dedicated new mental health and wellbeing stage at Electric Picnic hosted by A Lust for Life, a new non-profit wellbeing movement set up by mental health campaigner Niall Breslin (Bressie).

The panel lineup (from left to right) was - Minister for Health Simon Harris, Tomas O’Ruairc from the Teaching Council of Ireland, Dr. Malie Coyne Clinical Psychologist, Blindboy Boatclub of the Rubber Bandits and Brian Higgins CEO of Pieta House.

Following the event, I reflected for the Wicklow Voice: “I was honoured to be involved in such an important conversation on the future of mental health in this country. Having Minister Harris present was a huge opportunity for each of us to map out our diverse ideas for progress going forward. Personally I was delighted that Minister Harris acknowledged my ideas on the need to adequately resource primary care services; and the importance of prioritising Infant and Perinatal Mental Health to fully support parents and give children the best head start in life”.

Interview with Caitriona McMahon as she shares her painful experience of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and her recovery tools (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, medication, writing, adult colouring). She is co-founder of Community Crisis Response Team Limerick, which is a voluntary out of hours service for those in suicidal distress.

Interview with Francis Cleary, Founder of Step Out Ireland, as he shares his personal story of struggling with social anxiety and how seeking help was the most difficult yet rewarding move he ever made. Step Out Ireland aims to increase awareness of social anxiety disorder and organises nationwide Positive Steps social meet up groups for those affected.

Interview with comedian, actress and singer Katherine Lynch about how growing up in a small community “prepared the very soul of her for life”, her deep pride in her family tie to her grand uncle poet Patrick Kavanagh, her thoughts on melancholy and living in the fear of perfection, and the powerful meaning behind her beautiful song “Settling Dust”.