Bressie sets out to show how exercise can power the mind away from anxiety and depression on new RTÉ show

Exercise is proven to get happy hormones pumping, but motivation isn’t great when your mental health is suffering. In Bressie’s new TV show, he helps depression and anxiety sufferers to rise to the challenge of an Ironman, says Colette Sheridan

IMAGINE taking part in a gruelling half Ironman event in the sweltering heat and torrential rain of Lanzarote that involves a 90km bike ride, a 1.9km swim and a 21.1km half marathon.

This was the challenge that four people from around the country, with mild to moderate depression, rose to alongside mental health advocate, singer and former Leinster rugby player, Bressie, who was training them. Add to the mix two psychologists, a nutritionist, a triathlon coach and a swimming coach and you’ve got quite a team behind this two-part TV documentary.