Mental health in the winter: Reaching out as the nights draw in

It can be challenging to take care of mental health at this time of year but by investing in self-care and building meaningful connections, we can find ways to get through the dark days 

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Brent Pope launches St Patrick's Mental Health Services' 'Ellie the Elephant' ahead of World Mental Health Day as part of the Elephant in the Room initiative. Ellie was painted by expert by experience Sinead Smyth who titled her artwork 'anything but me' Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

Looking after our mental health is a year-round task — and for some, the winter months are specifically associated with a low mood or seasonal affective disorder.

According to a recent survey from Aware, one in five adults in Ireland said they have a diagnosis of depression, with more than half reporting what they believe was an experience of depression over their lifetime.