A sense of abandonment

As an increasing number of Irish people take their own lives, Vicky Kavanagh examines the state of the mental health services in Ireland

‘I am an intelligent woman, but people treat you like you’re stupid when they you say suffer with depression’

It was October 2006 when I was first diagnosed with depression. I had been sleeping all the time and I had no interest in life anymore. My marriage had ended and I felt completely useless, like a failure.

Pregnancy at college not part of the plan

Even if the world feels like it’s crashing in, there are people who understand what you’re going through.

The abortion debate starts once again

A survey shows that more than half of 18-34 year olds are in favour of abortion.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

With assignment deadlines looming and Christmas just weeks away, Michelle Stedman gives some advice on how to avoid getting stressed out this season.

‘Remember Christmas socialising is a marathon, not a sprint’

Christmas is coming. There’s no stopping it. But what you can stop is the inevitable onslaught that the party season wages on your body.

Beyond the myth: The facts on rape and sexual assualt

One in every six women is at risk of being of being sexually assaulted in her lifetime, according to an international rape charity.

Blood donation: getting to the heart of the matter

You don’t need to go abroad or even give away huge amounts of your time in order to help other people. By donating blood you really could be saving somebody’s life.

Winter blues, why so S.A.D?

S.A.D is a form of depression. A lack of light exposure to the body can lead to the symptoms of the illness which have a tendency to surface around September.

Don’t suffer in silence, speak up

With World Mental Health Day on October 10, Alan Shiels focuses on the issues and support services surrounding eating disorders.

Sex and the season: don’t have any regrets before the New Year

The most popular extravagance of the Yuletide season is however, alcohol. A sip of mulled wine quickly becomes a few shots and next thing you know, you’re waking up in the arms of stranger with no memory of how you spent Christmas Eve.

‘After that I plummeted, I went into a spiral… full-on depressed’

Stephen was diagnosed with clinical depression - it is estimated that depression affects more than 400,000 people at any one time across the country.

Comfortable in your skin

Being insecure in your skin is never easy. Ailbhe Brilley examines how to cure common skin ailments and looks at advice on how to feel good your skin.

Check this out: being breast aware now could save your life

Every year 2,500 women in Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that affects women aged as young as 25.

Will living longer bring us lasting joy?

World Health Organisation statistics show that there are six hundred million people aged 60 and over worldwide. This figure will double by 2025 and will reach two billion by 2050.