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  • looking-after-your-mental-health
  1. Information and events
  2. Mental Health Support
  3. Looking after your mental health

Looking after your mental health

Since its outbreak, the Covid-19 pandemic has turned so many lives upside down.

As we adjust to the new normal of living, it can take a toll on your mental health, but there are small steps you can take to make things a little easier and keep on top of our mental wellbeing and cope during times of uncertainty.

Finding a service for you

You can locate details of the Extern's mental health services which may be near you here

Dealing with suicidal thoughts and feelings

Dealing with suicidal thoughts and feelings

Even though your pain may seem overwhelming and permanent at the moment, we have advice on how to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings Read more

Published: 20th August, 2020

Updated: 18th September, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
How to look after your mental health on Blue Monday (and everyday!)

How to look after your mental health on Blue Monday (and everyday!)

This Blue Monday, here is some top advice to beat January depression and improve your mental health and wellbeing. Read more

Published: 15th January, 2020

Updated: 18th January, 2021

Author: Siobhan Malone

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
How to practice Mindfulness

How to practice Mindfulness

Learn to manage feelings and thoughts with the skill of everyday mindfulness, any time of the day. Read more

Published: 22nd December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
How to stand up to negative peer pressure

How to stand up to negative peer pressure

It’s normal for people to worry about fitting in. Negative peer pressure can affect mental health. It can decrease self-confidence and lead to distancing from family members and friends, or an increase in depression and anxiety. Read more

Published: 7th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
How what you eat is linked with how you feel

How what you eat is linked with how you feel

It is well known that unhealthy eating patterns can cause mood swings. Without a steady source of fuel from the foods we eat, our mind and bodies don’t function well. Here’s how some unhealthy eating habits can impact how you feel Read more

Published: 22nd December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Is it ok for me to feel anxious?

Is it ok for me to feel anxious?

Everyone’s experience of anxiety disorders is different. There are also many things you can do yourself to help reduce your anxiety, such exercising regularly, stopping smoking and cutting down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink. Read more

Published: 30th November, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Living with paranoia and fear

Living with paranoia and fear

Explains paranoia, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family. Read more

Published: 4th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Lockdown Learning and Family Life

Lockdown Learning and Family Life

One of the most significant public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended periods of ‘lockdown’ Lynsey-ann Poole one of our community champions shares her experiences, thoughts and ways to cope. Read more

Published: 2nd November, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Motivation: The good news is that change can happen… and here are some tips that can help

Motivation: The good news is that change can happen… and here are some tips that can help

Lack of motivation often affects us all. Understanding the reasons that block motivation can be the first step in moving forward. Read more

Published: 23rd November, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Panic Disorders: Risks, Symptoms, Treatment and Self-Help tips

Panic Disorders: Risks, Symptoms, Treatment and Self-Help tips

What is panic disorder? Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times during their lifetime. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. However, for someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic occur regularly and at any time. Read more

Published: 4th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Recovery and Mental Illness

Recovery and Mental Illness

It is possible to recover from mental health problems, and many people do – especially after accessing support. Read more

Published: 9th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Tackle your feelings with six recognised steps which can help to improve wellbeing

Tackle your feelings with six recognised steps which can help to improve wellbeing

Improve your wellbeing with Extern Read more

Published: 29th January, 2020

Updated: 14th September, 2020

Author: Siobhan Malone

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Information and Support
  • Looking after your mental health
The Harmful Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

The Harmful Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

How using drugs and alcohol can affect your mental health. People use drugs and drink alcohol for lots of different reasons. Whatever your reason, using drugs or alcohol may have a long-term negative effect on you. Read more

Published: 22nd December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
What is a Personality Disorder?

What is a Personality Disorder?

What personality disorders are, what the symptoms are, and how you can get treatment. Read more

Published: 7th December, 2020

Updated: 9th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
What is Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD)?

What is Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD)?

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, causes extreme mood shifts ranging from mania to depression. Learn how it is diagnosed, possible causes and ways to get treatment Read more

Published: 2nd December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
What is depression?

What is depression?

Depression is a low mood that lasts for weeks or months and affects your daily life. Learn more about depression symptoms, causes and treatments. Read more

Published: 2nd December, 2020

Updated: 9th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
What is Loneliness and Social Isolation?

What is Loneliness and Social Isolation?

Loneliness and isolation are common issues, affecting people of all ages. If left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on individuals from a biological, psychological and behavioral perspective, all of which will then have a negative effect on their mental health. Read more

Published: 16th November, 2020

Updated: 4th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Supporting your mental health
  • Looking after your mental health
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have a impact on your day-to-day life. Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function. Read more

Published: 9th December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Why is hope important?

Why is hope important?

Having hope reduces feelings of helplessness, increases happiness, reduces stress, and improves our quality of life. Read more

Published: 2nd December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Why is it important for us to have gratitude in our lives?

Why is it important for us to have gratitude in our lives?

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for what we have. Find our how gratitude can be used to improve mental and physical health. Read more

Published: 12th November, 2020

Updated: 16th November, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
Why should we forgive?

Why should we forgive?

Forgiving may not be easy. When we have trouble being able to forgive, we hold in anger, resentment, and bitterness that can harm us in multiple ways and at multiple levels. Read more

Published: 2nd December, 2020

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Looking after your mental health
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Showing 10 of 21

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Help bring hope to people who are vulnerable and isolated.

Help bring hope to people who are vulnerable and isolated.

Help us unlock a better future for the most vulnerable people in society. Your donations make a difference ...Please donate today. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 18th December, 2019

Updated: 15th January, 2021

Author: Siobhan Malone

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Virtual Marathon Month

Virtual Marathon Month

Sign up to our Virtual Marathon Month where you choose how it’s done and how long it takes! Read more

Published: 23rd December, 2020

Updated: 13th January, 2021

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Related topics:
  • Run for Extern
  • Events
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Latest tweet

  • Working at Extern is more than just a job – it’s a career with a future and a chance to change the lives of some of… https://t.co/g1Enxxu045

    19thJanuary, 2021 @externcharity
  • @BrianODriscoll Thanks for the share @BrianODriscoll Now, more than ever, it is important to bring mental health… https://t.co/ihPYwE473L

    19thJanuary, 2021 @externcharity
  • If you're homeless or worried about becoming homeless, contact the Extern's Multi-Disciplinary Homeless Support Tea… https://t.co/aFDfjDyDiP

    19thJanuary, 2021 @externcharity

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Contact us

Extern is a registered charity in Northern Ireland
Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC105869
Company Registration No: NI 16083
Registered office

Hydepark House,        
3 McKinney Road,
Newtownabbey, BT36 4PE
Tel: +44 (0)28 9084 0555

Extern is a registered charity in the Republic of Ireland
Company Registration No: 383201
Registered Charity Number: 20055318
Registered office

Unit B, Block B, Kreston House
Arran Court, Arran Quay, Dublin 7
D07 K271.
Tel: +353 (0) 1 563 9402

Extern Group
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103226
Company No. NI 618684

Extern Supporting Communities
Company No. NI 637561



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