Where is My Mind?

Those who are a fan of The Therapy Room episodes will know the wisdom and magic of Dr. Tony Bates. Our team was lucky enough to visit Tony in his hometown of Sligo during the Where Is My Mind? tour.This week Niall is sharing the on-stage interview with Tony in the beautiful Hawkswell Theatre. Tony and Niall have been on a similar journey with their own minds and have a mutual passion for changing how we see and how we hold people’s pain. With his long career as one of Ireland’s top psychologists, Tony shares some stories from his time working with interesting patients (one which never made it into his book) his own healing that led him to write his memoir, Breaking The Heart Open, and we get a glimmer of the mystery and fun’ that lives in him. The show finishes with a very special collaborative spoken word piece exploring the intricacies pain.This podcast discusses some difficult themes, please take care when listening. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland has been experiencing a housing crisis for the last number of years and it’s having a devastating effect on the wellbeing of children and young people. In the episode, Niall is joined by Rory Hearne, a leading expert on the Irish housing crisis and an Associate Professor of Social Policy at Maynooth University. Rory is a candidate for the European Parliament Elections in 2024, under the Social Democrats party in Midlands-North West. Having spent most of his career working on housing, economic inequality, poverty, fiscal policy, public services, and European social policy, Rory decided to run for the elections to try and have his voice heard once and for all. Niall and Rory discuss the dire state of housing and public services in Ireland, how that’s having an immense impact on our collective mental health and sense of being and why politicians need to move away from neoliberal ideas to bring a sense of community and belonging back to the people. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health experiences can be deeply personal, but we need to look for the solutions at a political level. Mental health is connected to capitalism and social issues and we need change in these areas to see change in ourselves. In this episode, Niall is joined by Micha Frazer-Carroll, an award-winning journalist, culture commentator and author of ‘Mad World: The Politics of Mental Health’. Having grown up with mental health issues all around her, Micha is passionate about changing the narrative on how we understand and treat issues that are deep-rooted in our culture. Her work is a disruptive and hopeful approach to our current concepts around mental health. Niall and Micha discuss how mental health has been determined throughout history and how our health is often decided upon our ‘ability’ to perform under capitalist constructs. They also discuss pros and cons of mental health diagnosis and what a progressive, human-led system should look like. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health stereotypes can often show the experience in just one way, debilitating, unable to get out of bed or function. Although this can be the case for some, there are many of us battling our minds while living a fully-functioning life. In this episode, Niall is joined by Dr. Lalitaa Suglani, a psychologist and author of ‘High-Functioning Anxiety’. Lalitaa coined the term after experiencing this herself, along with seeing her patients appear accomplished and successful on the outside, while dealing with something entirely different on the inside. Niall and Lalitaa discuss how anxiety can sometimes be confused with high-achieving, and how it can lead to a life caught on the hamster wheel of success. Lalitaa shares the two sides to high-functioning anxiety and the damage that ‘masking’ can have on our wellbeing, as well as some practices to help you navigate your way around anxious thoughts. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve just landed back from our tour around many beautiful parts of Ireland and we’ve got some great live guest interviews to bring you over the coming months. One particular stand out interview was in The Source Arts Centre in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, with an incredible man, Aidan Loughnane. After a lengthy battle with grief, anxiety and an eating disorder, that almost pushed him to the brink of death, Aidan decided to turn his life around. He found a love for running and began sharing his story and love for exercise on his Instagram, Running with Aidan, where he has built a community of runners and supporters with his tough love approach. Niall and Aidan discussed their similar journeys with mental health and exercise, the good, the bad and the obsessive, and the small moments of hope and perspective that pulled Aidan out of a dark place. It was an important moment for Aidan as his Dad was in the audience and hearing him speak about the extent of his struggles for the first time.  This episode discusses some sensitive topics, including eating disorders and suicide, please take care when listening. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we pursue the radical reimagining of Ireland, and the world’s, mental health frameworks, we must be open minded to new ideas and treatment models. In this episode, Niall is joined by Dr. Jessica Schleider, Founding Director of the Lab for Scalable Mental Health and author of ‘Little Treatments, Big Effects’. Jessica’s mission is to create evidence-based solutions that bridge previously-unfillable gaps in mental health ecosystems. Based on research that most people seeking support will only attend one session, she has developed a ‘Single Session Intervention’ model for young people to ensure that one interaction counts. Niall and Jessica discuss the content of these single session solutions and how they can provide support that differs from traditional therapy and psychiatry. They also enforce their shared belief that showing people their own strengths and encouraging self-compassion can create a fantastic foundation for dealing with suffering and the complexities of growing minds.Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As some of you may know, we’re on tour with the podcast across Ireland. It’s been great to get out and meet some of you guys, to share space with you and of course our incredible guest interviews. Today, we thought we’d share one of our live interviews with a long-time friend of Niall’s, Danny O’Reilly, front man of The Coronas. Niall and Danny have come up through the music industry together over the last 15 years and share some of their stories from ‘the good old days’ before 15 second TikTok songs and streaming. Danny also shares how proud he is of the longevity of the band, why he’s grown to love his alone time in Dingle with his dog and what it was like growing up in a musical dynasty and having Mary Black as his Mam. You’ll also hear a very special performance from Niall and Danny. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.Where is My Mind? is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/mymind If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have spoken many times on the podcast about masculinity, something that has come under constant scrutiny in recent years as men try to navigate the problems, struggles and strengths of their being. As masculinity is being redefined, how can we raise young men in a supportive, encouraging manner so they can thrive? Niall is joined by Jordan Conroy, Olympic athlete, Rugby 7s player and host of new RTE show 'Man Up'. Jordan has spent time working with young men from all different backgrounds and interests, mentoring them and listening to their issues they’re facing in the modern world. Niall and Jordan discuss how these struggles differ to what they experienced growing up with the influence of social media and other expectations with their sexuality, body image and success. Both men share what advice they would give to their younger selves and their hopes for the young men who will shape our future. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.Where is My Mind? is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/mymind If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Whitaker, a medical journalist, questions the science behind psychiatry, debunking myths of chemical imbalances and miracle treatments. He calls for informed consent, examining societal, political, and environmental factors in mental health. The podcast challenges traditional psychiatric approaches, explores historical brain-damaging therapies, and advocates for a compassionate, community-driven mental health strategy.

There are many phases to move through when processing a difficult event or experience in your life. A good therapist will guide you as you encounter difficult emotions, learn to really feel them and then let them go. One of the most difficult and sometimes resisted parts of this process is forgiveness. Niall is joined by our expert psychologists Louize Carroll and Dr. Tony Bates as they dissect the complexities of forgiveness. Although forgiveness can be incredibly freeing, it needs to be done at the right time, in the right context and be accompanied by firm boundaries. Tony and Louize discuss some of their personal experiences with forgiveness, how they approach it with their clients in the therapy room and how embracing it can be the biggest gift you give to yourself. Niall also asks how we can even begin to consider forgiveness in a world full of so much pain, particularly pain that is caused by societal injustice, war and atrocities like we’re seeing unfolding everyday. This episode discusses some difficult subjects, please take care when listening. Check out Niall’s Sleep course over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.