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  • looking-after-your-mental-health
  1. Info 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

5 ways to start a conversation about mental health

5 ways to start a conversation about mental health

Whether you're a concerned friend or worried for your own mental health, here are ways to kickstart that conversation Read more

Published: 17th January, 2022

Updated: 25th January, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Apply these 10 techniques if you're living with paranoia and fear

Apply these 10 techniques if you're living with paranoia and fear

Tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family. Read more

Published: 4th December, 2020

Updated: 5th May, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Coping with Rural Isolation

Coping with Rural Isolation

Advice and information on how to cope with rural isolation and loneliness. Read more

Published: 6th May, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Five steps to mental health and wellbeing

Five steps to mental health and wellbeing

Five ways to look after your mental wellbeing · Connect · Be Active · Take Notice · Keep Learning · Give. Read more

Published: 29th January, 2020

Updated: 24th March, 2022

Author: Siobhan Malone

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

How to cope up with post traumatic stress disorder

How to cope up with 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

Updated: 24th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

How to deal with suicidal thoughts and feelings

How to deal 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: 23rd June, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

How to manage your exam stress

How to manage your exam stress

Exam stress can affect anyone. Top tips on how to help combat exam stress and get you ready for the day Read more

Published: 9th May, 2022

Updated: 20th June, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

How to manage your Social Anxiety

How to manage your Social Anxiety

Simple tips to managing social anxiety after leaving lockdown Read more

Published: 24th July, 2020

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

How to start a conversation with children and young people about mental health

How to start a conversation with children and young people about mental health

Top tips on how to talk to your kids about their mental health and wellbeing Read more

Published: 4th February, 2022

Updated: 5th May, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

How using drugs and alcohol can affect your mental health.

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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Mental Health Awareness Week: What is Loneliness and Social Isolation?

Mental Health Awareness Week: What is Loneliness and Social Isolation?

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: 11th May, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Updated: 5th May, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Prioritise your Mental Health with our free toolkits

Prioritise your Mental Health with our free toolkits

Look after your mental health and download our free simple new online self-help guides Read more

Published: 18th May, 2020

Updated: 3rd December, 2021

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4PE

Six ways to manage loneliness and feelings of isolation

Six ways to manage loneliness and feelings of isolation

Tips and advice to help you cope with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Read more

Published: 3rd May, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Small acts of kindness you can do for Random Acts of Kindness Day

Small acts of kindness you can do for Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random acts of kindness help us to connect with others, and boost everyone’s mental wellbeing. Random Acts of Kindness Day is a great time to start making kindness a habit Read more

Published: 29th January, 2021

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Tips for coping and living with depression

Tips for coping and living with 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 June, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

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

Top tips 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, 2022

Author: Siobhan Malone

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

What are the steps for recovery from mental Illness

What are the steps for recovery from 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

Updated: 25th March, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Load more Back to top

Showing 10 of 30

Latest

  • Family of Lisa McAlister donate £10,000 to tackle suicide and mental health in Glens of Antrim

    Family of Lisa McAlister donate £10,000 to tackle suicide and mental health in Glens of Antrim

    McAlister family donate £10,000 to Extern in her memory Lisa McAlister, who died tragically by suicide two years ago

  • Sham - NI Refugee Resettlement Service

    Sham - NI Refugee Resettlement Service

    ‘Sham’ (18) and her family received support from Extern's Northern Ireland Refugee Resettlement Service after fleeing the war in Syria in 2017

  • New pilot partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour

    New pilot partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour

    Extern appoint new appoint new street support worker in partnership with Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID) to improve community safety in Belfast.

  • Belfast SAFE Group

    Belfast SAFE Group

    Supporting individuals and families who have been bereaved by suicide across the Greater Shankill

Most read

  • Latest Jobs Northern Ireland

    Latest Jobs Northern Ireland

    Work with Extern and help us support more children, young people, individuals and families to change their lives everyday

  • Why is hope important?

    Why is hope important?

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

  • 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

  • Apply these 10 techniques if you're living with paranoia and fear

    Apply these 10 techniques if you're living with paranoia and fear

    Tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.

  • Who we are

    Extern transform lives as the leading social justice charity across the island of Ireland.

  • What we do

    What we do

    Extern is the leading social justice charity operating across the island of Ireland. We are also the leading provider of placements for social work students in the voluntary sector.

  • Ormeau Centre

    Ormeau Centre

    Based in Belfast, Extern's Ormeau Centre provides temporary accommodation and support to men and women experiencing homelessness

  • Contact us

    Telephone advice and information for people with a housing problem or who are homeless, living with poor mental health or problem gambling.

  • Strategic Leadership Team

    The leadership team have overall corporate responsibility for Extern's corporate strategy, leadership, management and organisational performance.

  • Latest volunteering opportunities

    Latest volunteering opportunities

    Find out more about volunteering with us, opportunities available, and what our volunteers say.

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Sham - NI Refugee Resettlement Service

Sham - NI Refugee Resettlement Service

‘Sham’ (18) and her family received support from Extern's Northern Ireland Refugee Resettlement Service after fleeing the war in Syria in 2017 Read more

Published: 20th June, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 118-122 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DL

Family of Lisa McAlister donate £10,000 to tackle suicide and mental health in Glens of Antrim

Family of Lisa McAlister donate £10,000 to tackle suicide and mental health in Glens of Antrim

McAlister family donate £10,000 to Extern in her memory Lisa McAlister, who died tragically by suicide two years ago Read more

Published: 23rd June, 2022

Updated: 24th June, 2022

Author: Ian Dinsmore

Location: 3 McKinney Road, Mallusk, BT36 4PE

Latest tweet

  • The reality is that the average person living with an #addiction is not so easy to spot and looks a lot more like t… https://t.co/LqAegAfgHO

    1stJuly, 2022 @externcharity
  • RT @the_bigstep: Jokes aside... there is no evidence that the current level of gambling advertising and sponsorship is safe. https://t.co/h1jqpRpHVU

    1stJuly, 2022 @externcharity
  • Delighted to be joining online for the @ChildRightsIRL for their webinar - #EndChildPoverty End Child Poverty Polit… https://t.co/jg0eeMXG8h

    30thJune, 2022 @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
Telephone: Mon to Fri 9-5pm 
+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

Extern, 1st floor, Block 4
Monread Leisure and Commercial Centre,
Monread Avenue,
Naas, Co Kildare
W91 YWX3
Tel: Mon to Fri 9-5pm +353 (0)45 878720
Extern Problem Gambling: 
ROI: 089 241 5401
NI: 07537 188 575


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

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