Self Care

Arthur’s Day: it’s time for us to look at our alcohol problem folks!

Arthur's Day 2013
| Sally O'Reilly
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As the evening draws in I find myself wondering what’s happening on the streets of Ireland this evening. How many people are starting to feel dizzy and sick from drink, feeling they should stop but not wanting to appear as “lightweights”.  How many fights have started, how many unwise decisions have been made, how many people are fumbling frustratedly in their pockets, wondering where all their money has gone (already ?!!? and on pay day?!!..). How are the bar staff coping, the health care workers, the guards, the families?

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Childless & happy? You better believe it. . .

Childless and happy
| Sally O'Reilly
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 I was interviewed for this piece by Chrissie Russell, a journalist who is interested in the assumptions made around gender, in particular, the assumption that women will want to, and will go on to have children. It was an interesting one to do, and I’ll make the full text of my answers to her available in the future. For now – here’s the version that was printed in the Irish Independent:

 

 

 

 

Returning to full-time practice

| Sally O'Reilly
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This was published when I decided to resign from Barnardos and return to full time private practice as Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist in East Cork and Youghal.

The Dungarvan Observer is delighted to announce that Sally O’Reilly is returning her successful Private Practice to 5 full days a week. Furthermore, she is now taking referrals for children and families.

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Tips on self care coming up to Christmas – Tip Three:

| Sally O'Reilly
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Take a minute right NOW to do NOTHING: take 3 slow, deep, to your tummy breathes, feel the chair under you, the ground under your feet, hear the sounds around you, feel the clothes on your skin, be aware of what smells are around you.

Listen to your inner dialogue: how much pressure have you put yourself under? How many rules and demands have you made of yourself for Christmas? Would you make these same demands of your best friend??Write down what you expect of yourself, then cross off the unreasonable and unnecessary items, the ‘shoulds’, and marvel at how few are left:)

Remember to breathe during today – just remind yourself, and you’ll soothe yourself nicely.

Tips on self care coming up to Christmas – Tip Two:

| Sally O'Reilly
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Know this: Being emotionally and mentally healthy doesn’t mean never going through bad times or experiencing emotional problems. We all go through disappointments, loss, and change. And while these are normal parts of life, they can still cause sadness, anxiety, and stress. Christmas brings with it an extra pressure to be “happy”, even though many of us find Christmas exceptionally stressful, and most of us have some sadness around it, missing people who have died or who are away. Let yourself feel whatever you are feeling, be it sadness or excitement, without judgement. You are human.

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