The Stigma Shift | Uncovering Mental Health with St John of God University Hospital

Constant distraction, unrelenting deadlines, and the persistent hum of burnout make life feel like a never-ending race. Many of us navigate our days on autopilot, missing the richness of the present moment and struggling to quiet a busy mind.  True relief is not found in escape, but in tuning into the reality of the here and now through clinical and compassionate mindfulness. We explore how mindfu...

Navigating modern relationships feels like constantly running on empty. Everyday pressures, stress, and misunderstandings quietly shape the dynamic between us, often leading to communication breakdown and conflict. Systemic Family Therapist Scott Hill uncovers how to shift from individual blame to understanding relational patterns. He reveals the hidden emotional needs beneath arguments and how to...

To mark International Nurses Day, this episode of The Stigma Shift focuses on the people learning, growing and preparing to shape the future of mental health care. Shona Giles, Clinical Placement Coordinator at St John of God University Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss her role in supporting mental health nursing students during their clinical placements. She reflects on the importance of a...

The rise in workplace mental health awareness has not translated into meaningful, day-to-day change for employees. Policies and awareness days are common, but a significant gap persists between organisational intention and lived reality. This failure to act often leaves staff reliant on reactive support when issues reach a crisis point. This episode unpacks the disconnect between language and beha...

What does addiction look like when it hides behind success? In this episode, Professor O’Gara joins Elaine to unpack the often-overlooked reality of addiction among high-achieving individuals.  From burnout and insomnia to the rise of process addictions like online gaming, gambling, and phone overuse, the conversation explores how performance-driven environments can mask — and even fuel — addictiv...

This internal and external isolation often causes people to disconnect from the relationships, social activities, and inner self that truly sustain them. Recovery is supported by community, connection, and innovative clinical care. This episode explores how clinical services and community organisations work together to support people and families who are transitioning out of the eating disorder's...

In this episode, we’re joined by Carol Keegan, Clinical Nurse Specialist at St John of God University Hospital, to explore the realities of living with anxiety.  Carol breaks down the difference between everyday stress and clinical anxiety, challenges common misconceptions, and explains why anxiety isn’t always the enemy—it can sometimes be protective and even useful. From practical coping tools l...

Grief and loss are profound and complex human experiences that often leave us feeling isolated and uncertain of how to cope. We struggle to talk about these deeply personal emotions, and the pressure to "be okay" can compound the pain, leading to self-criticism and shame. This difficulty is worsened by a culture of productivity that systemically discourages taking the time needed for a natural hea...

The human brain possesses extraordinary ability to adapt and change throughout life, a quality called neuroplasticity that many mistakenly believe only occurs during childhood. Dr Clodagh Cremen, senior clinical psychologist on psychiatry of later life team at St John of God University Hospital, explains how neural pathways function like motorways with traffic rerouting when connections close, why...

Spending time in nature feels instinctively restorative, but what does the science actually say about why green spaces improve our mental health? In this episode of The Stigma Shift, Senior Social Worker Shirley Gleeson explores the growing field of planetary health and nature-based interventions in mental health care. From the stress-reducing power of 20-minute nature walks to therapeutic horticu...

Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or constantly running on empty? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a daily companion for many of us—quietly impacting our sleep, energy levels, mood, and even physical health.   Today, we’re diving into the real effects of stress on the body and mind, and exploring practical, evidence-based strategies to manage it. From understanding h...

Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the pressure to stay connected have become a silent source of stress for many of us. Our hyper-digital world promises connection but can more often leave us feeling isolated, distracted, and emotionally depleted.  Today we unpack the complex relationship between social media and mental wellbeing, and the true impact of our online lives. We explore the...

A thoughtful, accessible podcast from St John of God University Hospital in Dublin that aims to demystify mental healthcare and reduce stigma through expert conversations and relatable content.  With each episode you get practical insights in a friendly, non-clinical tone. Whether you're personally experiencing challenges, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in improving your wellbeing, o...