World Mental Health Day

Why I think talking about about mental health is vital. 

October 10th marked World Mental Health Day, as part of Mental Health Week. This year the focus was on mental health in the workplace, and how to mind your mental health at work.  

To start off I think mental health isn't something that we should talk about once a year, I think it's important to talk openly and honestly about all aspects of mental health whenever and wherever the need or want arises. I believe people should be allowed to discuss their mental health on a daily basis and not feel guilty or weird or like they are complaining. Mental health issues will affect all of us at one point or another and it's important to have the vocabulary to talk openly about it, the ability to ask for help and to show compassion when others ask for help, and the ability to get better. 

Personally I think it is super important to have the skills and means to take care of your mental health, and I think these skills should be taught from an early age in schools across the world.  While it is rare for children to suffer from severe mental health issues, it can happen. And learning these skills early on can in fact set them up to be better able to cope in future if mental health complications arrive.  

A friend recently told me that their mental health had been suffering lately, and it had been hard on them to try and be normal around their siblings.  But when their siblings informed them that they had been learning about mental health and how to maintain positive mental health in school, it made it easier to talk to them about it.  

I think having mental health classes in schools is honestly one of the most important things we can be teaching our children today.  Training children and adolescents in mindfulness and relaxation techniques, will greatly benefit them not only at the time, but also in the future.  Personally I think we can do so much more to teach kids today how to cope with mental illness, and inform them how to deal with others around them who are coping with mental illness. 

While the stigma around mental illness is dissipating, there is still a lot of uncertainty around many different areas of mental health.  From how to support a friend or family member suffering from depression and anxiety, to being informed and aware of illnesses such as schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder, and how to manage them.  

By offering these classes to young people, it can really open up the discussion around mental health. It can give them the tools they need now and in the future, from spotting when a loved one may be suffering from a mental health issue, to how to support them during those tough times.  It can also show young people that they are not alone in the way they feel, and that it is not their fault, and also teach them how to empathise with others who are suffering.  

If more schools and workplaces take on an initiative of teaching and informing students and staff about mental illness, about the supports out there, and about ways to cope, the future may not be so grim for many people.  

I for sure know that when I was in school, having these kinds of classes would have greatly improved my time in school, as I suffered a lot with my mental health throughout adolescence. While now for the most part I have learned how to cope and deal with these issues when they arise, Ive been through many dark phases and ups and downs.  Had I been given the tools at a younger age, who knows that it might not have gotten to such points. 

I can distinctly remember attending a talk about introducing mindfulness classes into a primary school once during my time in college. And some of the parents there didn't seem to think that it necessary to teach this to primary aged children.  I disagree however, the earlier the better in my opinion.  By giving young children the means to understand their emotions, and offering tools to cope with and counter-act them, you are giving them valuable life skills. 

I think we should be encouraging others to speak up about their mental health, and not just for one day a year, but all days every year! Imagine how much better the world we live in could be if we taught children from a young age that it's okay not to feel okay? Imagine a world filled with compassionate and empathetic individuals, who not only can deal with their own mental health issues, but support others through theirs? 

That's the kind of world I want to live in, and the world I want to see the future generation grow up in.  It's as simple as giving them the tools they need to understand how mental health works, and it could make a huge difference.

Again this is all just in my opinion, and this post may be a bit rambling, but this day crept up on me and I couldn't let it pass without saying something.  As always I hope you enjoyed this, and I hope this may have helped some people understand better the importance of promoting positive mental health. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental illness,  or is at risk of suicide or self-harm here are a few places that offer help and support.  Stay safe and don't be afraid to ask for help, if one person doesn't listen keep looking until someone does. You are worth it.

• PIETA HOUSE: www.pieta.ie  1800 247 247
• SAMARITANS: www.samaritans.ie  Free phone: 116 123 Text: 087 260 9090
• Aware (Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder & Anxiety): www.aware.ie Tel: 1800 80 48 48
• Grow (Mental Health support and Recovery): www.grow.ie  Tel: 1890 474 474
• Bodywhys (Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland): www.bodywhys.ie Tel: 1890 200 444
• Teenline Ireland Helpline: www.teenireland.ie Tel: 1800 833 634 Text Teen to 50015
• ChildlineL www.childline.ie  Helpline: 1800 66 66 66 Text Talk to 50101 any time.
• OutReach: www.ie.reachout.com
• Gay Switchboard Dublin: gayswitchboard.ie Helpline: 01 872 1055
• Rape Crisis Network Ireland: rapecrisishelp.ie 24 Hour Helpline: 1800 77 88 88
• The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre: drcc.ie/get-help-and-information/helpline/ 24 Hour Helpline: 1800 77 88 88 
• Link to a post with international helplines: http://togetherwearestrong.tumblr.com/helpline

Until the next time, take care of your selves

MK xo

Suicide is not the answer

September 10th 2017 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

This upcoming Sunday is World Suicide Prevention Day, an awareness day held on the 10th of September annually in order to show a worldwide commitment to come to action to prevent suicides.  

New Kid on the Job

Some tips and advice on starting a new job.

Starting a new job can be simultaneously one of the most exciting and one of the most daunting things to face.  Especially when that job is your first in a new field, your first out of college, or your first ever.  Here are a few little tips on settling into a new job, and how to deal with all the things it may throw at you. 

I myself have recently started a new job for the first time in a number of years, and I have a number of friends in a similar position since graduating college.   Personally, I'm a very social person, and I'm far from shy in new situations like this.  Even for me, this was a nerve wreaking situation in the beginning and I was incredibly anxious.   I know there are probably a number of people in the same position who are less social, and who may be struggling with a number of things.  But fear not, MK is here with some sound (ish?) advice as per. 

How To: Get a Bikini Body

Easy Steps to Getting a Bikini Body this Summer.

It's that time of year again, school's finished and the holiday season has begun.  With that comes crunch time to get that bikini body ready for the beach or the pool! Here's a few quick and easy steps to be bikini ready in no time. (These steps are easier than you may think!) 

8 Reasons Why I Think the 8th Amendment Has Got to Go

The Reasons Why I Think the 8th Amendment Should be Removed from the Irish Constitution.

The 7th of September 2017 marks 34 years since the passing of Article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution, also known as the 8th Amendment.  I had planned on posting this blog later than I am, but because of recent news that is far too similar to cases of 20+ years ago, I decided now is a better time than ever. 

How To: Dye Polyester Clothes

An Easy Way to Put Some New Life into Your Old Clothes. 

Have you ever bought something that you absolutely love at the time, in the 'It' colour of the season, only for it to sit in your wardrobe for months and months after because you realised it only goes with that one outfit you wore that one time?  Well this happens to me a lot (mainly cause I've no will power when it comes to shopping!)  And I always feel so guilty that I've bought this really nice piece, never to wear it again.  

Exhibit A, I bought this bright green jacket in New Look last summer, and wore it a total of one time cause it just doesn't go with the majority of my clothes, and quite frankly its too bright to be part of my everyday wear.  I love the style of the jacket and it fits really well so I decided, instead of giving it away or throwing it out, I'd try a little experiment and dye it a new colour! 

Review: Stila Mascara and Eyeshadow Palette

Review of Stila Eyes Are The Window  Eyeshadow Palette, and Stila Mile High Lashes Mascara

I got this beautiful eyeshadow palette and mascara given to me for my birthday in November by one of my best friends (thanks Laura) and because I've been so busy with my final year of college I'm only getting around to finally writing up a review for them now! But taking so long to write this up means one thing, I've used them so much by now that I can give a better more in depth review, for you to read! 

Let's Discuss: Mental Health

I know it gets better but sometimes it's hard to see it!

With the popularity of Netflix's new show  13 Reasons Why, I though there's no better time to write this post that I've been putting off writing for a long long time.  

The issues that the show brings up, and what I'm about to discuss are extremely important topics to talk about.  I'm hoping that with more people being open in talking about mental health, the less stigma there will be surrounding it!  So without further adieu, here's my story, I hope this might help someone out there! 

Lush Cosmetics Haul and Review

A look at my most recent Lush purchases and what I think of them.

Also guys, this isn't sponsored (like as if I'm a big enough blogger to be sponsored) I just REAALLLYY love Lush, and I love doing reviews for you guys! (Though if someone hooked me up with the sponsor I wouldn't be mad! LOL) 

Also all the headings/names of the products will be clickable links that will direct you to where to buy these, as with all of my previous blog posts, I try to make sure all products mentioned are clickable links so if you guys would like to buy them, you can find them easily! 

The Products I Can't Live Without

A little list of my ride or die beauty products that are an absolute must have for me! 

Here's a little list of the beauty products that I absolutely love, and okay I could definitely live without them, but my life would just be a little bit harder if I didn't have these babies in it. 

A Tribute to my Hometown - Tinahely County Wicklow

A small photo essay in appreciation of my hometown of Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.  

I was born and reared in a little village in the valley of the Derry River in Co. Wicklow surrounded by fields, hills, cows and not much else.  My heart longed for one day to leave my small hometown for the big city and never look back.  But there's something about the beauty of this South Wicklow town that cannot be escaped, and so now sitting in my apartment in Dublin, I find my heart longing for the place I couldn't wait to leave.  

The village and it's surrounds are steeped in history and folklore, as are many Irish towns, so for a college project I decided to photograph the village and write an article about it's history, but I think more people than my lecturer should have the opportunity to see the place I call home, so without further adieu, here it is. 

Natural Make Up Look

How to wear as little makeup as possible, but still feel confident and pretty. 

A minimal make-up look with minimal effort. 

So like 90% of the time I am waaaaaay too lazy to put on a full face of makeup, but I still don't always want to go out for the day with no make up on. I think beauty most definitely comes from within, but girl, sometimes some of us need a little help.  In a society where its the norm for women to wear make-up to be classed as "pretty" it's hard to break this mould, and I know I feel more confident with a little bit of make up on my face sometimes. Even if its just to hide some blemishes and to brighten up my face so I don't look sick/dead. (I get really bad black circles under my eyes which makes me look like something from the walking dead) So, this is my go to natural make-up look using as little products as possible, but it still makes me feel confident and happy in how I look. 

My Pet Peeves

Things that get under my skin

So if you're anything like me, there are a few things that people do that just really gets on your nerves.  Now I am a patient person most of the time, but there are a few things that really test my patience, and here's the list in no particular order. 

21 things I've learned in 21 years

Some lessons can't be taught, they have to be learned

I would like to think that in my 21 years on this planet that I have experienced many different things, and have some insights to give because of these experiences.  I am in no way an expert on advice giving and I don't have it all figured out but I am working on it, and that's all any of us can do.  My last advice-y post went well and was one of my most viewed posts, so I thought I'd try another one.  

These are just things I've learned through my own experience, and wish someone told me sooner, or I had learned sooner, and hopefully my experiences can help a few of you out.  I suppose I'm writing this because my life would have been a lot easier had I learned some of these things earlier in life. 

Dear Leaving Cert Me

A letter about coping with the Leaving Cert. 

Review: Penneys/Primark Products

Review of the PS... Super Matte Liquid Lipstick and the PS... Gel Effect Nail Polish.

So I posted these guys up on my Facebook page almost 2 weeks ago, after trying both products multiple times I think its time for a quick review of them! (There may also be a small motd/fotd look at the end, just cause I liked my make-up today...) 

Bargain Buy Make-Up Review

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Who says you have to spend lots of money on make-up?

As a student with very little money I always try keep an eye out for a good bargain to save a little moolah.  About a month ago I popped into Penneys/Primark  on Mary Street in Dublin and picked up a few little bits, all under €5 each!  I had seen a few girls on Snapchat and Instagram raving about a few of these products so I decided I just had to try them for myself!

I've been meaning to get around to this blog for a few days now, so I've decided that after a month of using them all it's about time to do a little review to show you all these products, and let you know what I think. 

DIY: Black 90's style chokers

How to make a 90's style choker two different ways. 

Some of my friends laugh at me for my silly innovations when I use random everyday objects and turn them into something wearable and maybe even fashionable, and this was one of them. Personally I think this is one of the easiest DIYs to do when you want to dress up an outfit in a hurry with some stylish DIY jewellery.  I thought up this DIY when I was at home one weekend and I was heading out when I realised I had left all my jewellery in Dublin and I needed something to dress up my outfit. 

My Everyday Favourites

The staple Make-up items that I use daily and the brushes I use to apply my make up. 

I might not use all these products every single day, some days I'm lazy and wear less, some days I wear more, but for the most part these are the products I use on my face daily. 

Helping to Combat Dry Skin, Hair and Lips

How to's to combating dry hair, skin and lips on a budget. 

Well if you're anything like me and your face is dried up, your hair feels like straw and your lips crack and bleed to no end in the colder months, then here's a few simple DIY tips for getting some moisture back into your life and a few of my favourite products to buy to also help deal with the disastrous dryness that plagues my life.