World Mental Health Week: what’s on

Today marks the start of World Mental Health Week and there are a number of events on around the country to promote awareness around mental wellbeing for all age groups and genders 

Dublin

Arnotts will be hosting a panel discussion, Men’s Minds Matter on October 10th to highlight the importance of your mental wellbeing. This event is specifically aimed at men, featuring Philly McMahon, comedian Joanne McNally, Mike Sheridan and MMA coach John Kavanagh on the night.

75% of suicides in Ireland are men, and we need to do all we can to get men talking. This panel discussion will be sharing tips on how to feel better in yourself both mentally and physically. Tickets are €20 and between 10th-12th of October they will be fully redeemable on all Menswear products.

Reformation studios are always advocating for taking time out to work on your mental health. All this week they will be offering completely free yoga and meditation sessions at select times throughout the day.

From the 7th-11th of October make sure to book into one of these classes either mid morning or lunchtime to take part in some daily zen. You can book in here.

On Saturday, October 12th The Stella Theatre in Rathmines will have a one-off screening of Green Book. Tickets are €19 each, and all proceeds raised will go directly to Aware, a charity that provides support to those struggling with depression or bi-polar disorder.

The screening is at 12.15pm and tickets can be booked through their website. Not only that, but all restaurants in the Press Up group will donate 10c to Aware for every hot drink sold in their venues during the month of October.

Limerick

On October 8th, ICHAS will be hosting an hour long Mindfulness Workshop on campus from 1-2pm. Hosted by Christine Beekman, and ICHAS lecturer, the workshop will focus on helping people to live in the present to reduce anxiety and depression.

The skill of mindfulness is especially useful for students who may find themselves in a stressful environment in college as a result of moving away from home, an increased workload, new social situations or even just exam pressure. Attendees will come away with four easy ways to practice mindfulness in their daily lives.

For more information head over to the ICHAS Facebook Events page or call on 061-216-288.

To close out a week of events supporting and bringing awareness to mental health issues, St Mary’s Cathedral will be hosting a choral, evening. Directed by Malcolm Green, Limerick Choir Night will celebrate choirs from around the country and it shall be an inspiring and cheerful way to end the week.

The performance is free for all, and is at 7.30pm on October 11th.

Shine a Light on the River is a unique event will be held in Limerick City on October 10th from 6-8pm. The River Shannon will be aglow with brightly lit boats in procession at dusk.

This is free for all, and attendees are asked to make their way to Sarsfield, Thomond and Shannon bridges to watch. Wrap up warm and make sure to bring a torch or a phone to help light the way.

Galway

Sound Magic Ireland will be hosting their own workshop and discussion on 7th October at 7pm. All are welcome but the session will be specifically aimed at Transition Year students and young adults.

The aim of the workshop is to promote positive ways of dealing with stress as well as other challenges that come up for young people like anxiety, depression and feeling over-whelmed. There is a suggested donation of €10 for attendance.

Fancy flexing your general knowledge skills? Head into Corralea Court Hotel for 8pm and try your best at their table quiz.

All proceeds go towards TDMHA, which provides mental health support and information tot hose who need it. A table of four is €40.

Read more: Denise Welch’s videos prove mental health awareness has a long way to go

Read more: ‘I became a shadow of my former self. I stopped eating. I couldn’t go to work’

Read more: An Irish mother opens up about her daughter’s attempted suicide