Aware, the national mental health organisation helping people and their families impacted by anxiety, depression, bipolar and mood related conditions says that not all anxiety is detrimental to a person’s health.
Knowing the difference between good and bad days, versus longer periods of depression and anxiety is key, and Aware’s education programmes can play a vital role in helping people to understand these differences.
Dr Susan Brannick, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director with Aware said; “After the busyness of Christmas it can be normal to feel drained in energy, low and perhaps feeling the anticlimax after the festive period.
“For some, January can feel like a challenging month, perhaps feeling low in mood or more anxious.
“But not all changes in mood or feeling anxious will indicate that there are deeper mental health problems, and some simple steps may help to feel better now, and build resilience beyond January, throughout 2026.
“January can offer an opportunity to pay attention to your mental health, and finding out more about it can be a great resolution, it is a good time of year to start learning about your mental health.”
Aware has been working for over 40 years to inform, educate and support people with depression, bipolar and other mood related conditions.
They offer a full framework of education courses as well as operating their Support Line from 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week (1800 80 48 48).
Education programmes are available both in-person and online and are open and free to anyone aged 18 or over.
One of the most popular programmes offered by Aware is the Aware Resilience Programme — a six-week course rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques.
In a friendly group setting, participants learn how to manage daily stresses, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build coping strategies.
Sessions run for 90 minutes and are led by trained facilitators who know how to make the tools easy to understand and apply.
For those who are supporting someone with depression or bipolar disorder, the Family Support Programme focuses on looking after the supporter as much as the person they support.
Over four weeks, it offers practical ways to provide effective support while protecting your own mental health.
And for people living with bipolar disorder, the Living Well with Bipolar Disorder programme is delivered over the course of eight weeks by an experienced mental health professional.
Educational in nature, the aim of the programme is to provide people with opportunities to understand and manage bipolar disorder effectively, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to live well.
Volunteers are a huge part of what Aware is from its foundation 40 years ago to today and they form an integral part of its services.
Anyone interested in finding out more about joining Aware’s team of 400 volunteers should visit www.aware.ie to find out more.