This episode of the Ulysses Neuro podcast recognises May as Mental Health Awareness month. Mental illness encapsulates a broad range of conditions; the most prevalent being mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Feelings of anxiety and sadness are human emotions that everyone experiences at different times in their life. However, when these feelings occur more frequently, without triggers and become consuming they may manifest as mood disorders. Mood disorders can affect any one irrespective of age, gender or background. The prevalence of mood disorders has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic as feelings of loneliness, anxiety, frustration are all amplified as we move from lockdown to lockdown.

We discuss all of this and more with Stephen McBride, the Director of Services for Aware, an Irish organisation who provide a range of services including group meetings offering support and information, a telephone and email support service for both individual living with these feelings and their loved ones. Stephen outlines the necessary adaptations following increased demand for their services during the pandemic and how open conversation and education can stop the stigma associated with mental illness. Details of all of service provided can be found on Aware.ie.