Working Life: Bríd O’Meara, director of services, Aware

Bríd O’Meara, director of services, Aware

6.45am

I find that 10 minutes of mindfulness sets me up for the day. I took it up last year and it’s become a beneficial habit. I also changed my mode of transport to work, from bus to moped. It’s a great way to travel from Cabinteely to Leeson St.

8.30am

After checking emails it’s time for a conference call with the team planning a conference that we are hosting on October 10 in UCD to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The focus is on the future of depression and bipolar disorder, across the life span from infancy to old age.

A range of experts will take part, covering everything from nutrition and mental health to cognitive behavioural therapy, to perinatal psychiatry, to mental well-being in later life.

The conference is open to clinicians and the general public as well as Aware volunteers and it will look at novel treatment approaches and further developments in existing therapies, as well as additional means of understanding depression and bipolar disorder.

12 noon

We have a meeting to discuss our relatives and friends programme which is designed specifically for those supporting a loved one with depression or bipolar disorder. It’s a free programme delivered in six hours over four weeks and it includes practical steps for self-care. The overall objective is to lessen the impact and burden of depression and bipolar disorder on the relationship.

2pm

At our service managers meeting which takes place once a month each manager presents an overview of what’s happening in their service. It’s essentially a communications session.

Today’s priority is finalising the planning for our nationwide Life Skills Programmes where people can learn how to better manage the stresses of everyday life, to recognise and manage unhelpful thoughts and ultimately begin the journey to a healthier and more confident life.

3.30pm

I have a meeting with the recruitment and training officer for volunteers to review our training material in relation to the new intake of volunteers this month.

5pm

I wrap the day with a run through more emails, although there are evenings where I have additional meetings eg with volunteers or training partners. At home in Cabinteely, I walk my gorgeous big black labrador and catch up with my daughter or with friends. During the winter, I sing with a choir.

See: aware.ie