Life is For Living by LTSP

* Trigger Warning: This episode references, drugs, suicide and alcohol addiction *

This week we sit down with the incredible John Mc Mahon and we hear about his life and journey through addiction and his path to recovery. This is an inspiring episode filled with strength and how you can create a new life for yourself by getting the help you deserve. 

John is extremely passionate about helping people see that light is at the end of the tunnel. He is studying to be able to provide people with the support they desperately need and deserve. We hope you enjoy this episode. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay ❤️

Today's guest is the incredible Jimmy Collins, known to many as “Jimmy C Makeup Academy”.

Jimmy began his career as an account manager for Estée Lauder, before working with Mac Cosmetics, where he later joined the management team. Five years later, Jimmy became manager of an Inglot store and eventually in 2014, he started his career as a freelance makeup artist before setting up the Jimmy C Makeup Academy in 2015.

Jimmy, tell's us his story in this episode, about what it was like “Coming Out” to his family and friends as a 19 year in Ireland. Not knowing what to do once you leave a job you thought was your future. It was a pressurised time in his life.

Jimmy is extremely passionate about Mental Health, after experiencing a battle with his own mind for years. Being a teenage dad and a young gay lad was one of the lowest times in his life. 2001 was the makings of Jimmy and he described his ability to “Coming Out” one of the best times of his life an explosion of energy and acceptance.

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay ❤️

Well we made it and we crossed the finish line. It's two weeks out from the biggest achievement for Ashley and Jack. They both sat down to gather their own thoughts on the journey, how it actually felt from the start to the finish line and what they can be proud of to date. The conversation is honest but what it aims to do is motivate you to take on a challenge. We can be caught up on the negatives without really knowing what our body can do. 

Ashley speaks about how she battled with her mind at the 30km mark realising there was still another 12km to go, but kicked those thoughts out and paced it well to the finish line. However, she speaks about the battle with anxiety and how running helped take a lot of the worries away. 

Jack, is a Type 1 Diabetic and speaks in this episode of the struggle that alone can have on your body before embarking on a 42.2km run. Jack also a month out from the marathon, injured his knee and still soldiered on despite the aching pain it caused. He speaks about how he always wanted to achieve something like this and what it took to get to that point. 

Ashley & Jack, are heavily involved in raising awareness for Mental Health, so they are both very privileged to have taken part in an event as fantastic as Marathon Mind. Mental health is important and they want you to know that you can do it, anyone can, make it happen. 

Thanks for your support. 

Today's guest is the wonderful Caroline Mc Kenna, known to many as "A County Down Under". Caroline is a Teacher and Mental Health advocate teaming up with Irish athleisure brand Gym+Coffee, who's complete mantra is to provide a community of people with a passion to Make Life Richer.

Caroline, tell's us her story in this episode, about how she was at a crossroads in her life after graduating from University, working in job she did not like and falling in love. Caroline, speaks about how she ended up in Australia and why she needed to take charge of her own Mental Health. 

Caroline is extremely passionate about Mental Health, after experiencing a battle with her own mind for years. Living on the other side of the world has its benefits but Caroline talks to us about how the pandemic affected her thoughts and left her feeling isolated and alone 10,000 miles away from home.  

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay ❤️

Today's episode features a very special guest Niall Breslin "Bressie" known to many across the world. Bressie has a CV like no other. Not many can say they have been a former professional athlete and musician not to mind a best selling author and phenomenal advocate for Mental Health. 

What can we say about this man only how much we admire him. Throughout the years, Bressie has become one of Ireland’s most formidable and amazing mental health advocates. He has undoubtedly been one of the leaders of the mental health conversation in Ireland and bravely stepped up to speak on the issue years before it became a mainstream discussion.

Bressie speaks to us about how he became the founder and creative director of the mental health advocacy charity ‘A Lust for Life’, a multi-award winning organisation that uses content, campaigns and events to facilitate young people to be effective guardians of their own mind. For more information on this, visit: www.alustforlife.com

In this episode, Bressie speaks to us about his own incredible journey through life and how it has shaped his opinion on mental health and mindfulness today. Bressie discussed how we all need to work through our emotions, no matter how hard they might be to deal with. We speak about non-judgement and how we need to become better at stopping our minds from judging ourselves and others. We also spoke openly about the dangers of social media obsession and the challenges it can bring to people. 

This episode is very important to us and we really hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay ❤️ 

Glenn Murray a globe trotting, adventure searcher and all round inspirational guy from the heart of Dublin, joins us on Today's episode. He speaks entirely from the heart on his struggles with living with ADHD, OCD and becoming sober. We go right back to the beginning and how it all started for Glenn and what made him decide he had to turn his life around once and for all. He shut down social media, realised mixing alcohol with his mental health and drinking excessively without control was ruining his life. Glenn spoke about how he knew he was one drink away from death if he did not seek help. 

Colm Doolan is the host of "The Sober Mess" podcast channel and we are so lucky to have him on Episode 16 of our Channel. In this Episode Colm will share with us his own personal journey through Addiction, Pain, Depression and how he decided to move into a life of choice, open-hearted forgiveness and Self Care. 

This Episode, raises awareness to the effects of Addiction and the struggle it can have on your mind, body and soul. However, Colm is living proof that life is worth living and you are strong enough to overcome any challenges you face. Colm has changed his old habits for positive health and fitness. He speaks to us about the impacts sea swimming, cycling and running has had on his life and body. 

We really hope you all enjoy this episode. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

In this episode of the "Life is For Living" Podcast, we speak to Ciara (The Mindset Coach). Ciara is an incredible women who shares her own personal story of her journey through mental health. Ciara very bravely speaks to us about how her Mental Health took over her life and how she tried to end her life on three attempts. Ciara see's this as Surviving to Thriving and right now she certainly is thriving. We speak about how important it is to ask for help in order to learn about the importance of life and how important it is to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

Today we are joined by the incredible Brandon from Dublin Homeless Awareness. Brandon is the creator of Dublin Homeless Awareness and is just 19 years of age. I was in awe of Brandon from the minute we spoke, his determination is just incredible. For a young person, his outlook on life is admirable beyond words. Brandon speaks to us about his own battle with Mental Health and how important it is to ask for the help that is available. 

This episode focuses on the work that his organisation do in Dublin and what it really is like to be homeless in Dublin. I will not give too much information away but we hope you enjoy this conversation!

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

Today we are joined by Sana Govender, who is a Behavioural Psychologist, Mindset Coach and a Performance Coach with Munster Rugby. Sana is a huge fan of Human Performance and we speak a lot about Self Talk and how it is important to remove negative content in your life. Sana was a breath of fresh air and you can hear from start to finish how passionate Sana is when it comes to Mental Health. 

Sana gives us an insight into how changing your perspective will inevitably change your outcome on life. This is powerful and his words are beyond inspiring. It really gave me the boost I needed this morning speaking to Sana and I hope it lifts your spirits too.  

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

Today we are joined by Lee Reeves, professional boxer and member of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention. Lee speaks about his motivation and passion for boxing and what drives him to become the best. Lee's determination is beyond inspiring and he really is an admirable person. We speak about the tragic passing of Lee's beautiful mother to Suicide and how he deals with the loss of his best friend every day. Lee gives us an insight into what grieving has been like as a son to lose a mother and describing it as "you never get over it, you just get on with it"

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

HUGG - Healing Untold Grief Groups - (01) 513 4048

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

This week we speak to Cian Fogarty a true inspiration. Cian speaks to us about grief and what it's really like to loose both your parents at a young age. I was blown away by Cian and very thankful that he reached out to talk about his own experience of loosing a Mother and a Father, the grief, the strength and the impact it has had on his mental health and life. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but there are healthy ways to deal with the grieving process as Cian mentions how talking and opening up really helps him. 

We speak about types of Grief and how it is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges.

This episode is a reminder to us all how important it is to understand how grief can make people feel and how important it is to be kind to everyone, to understand and value each other and extend your support when needed.

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

This week I speak to Cillian Keane. Cillian is a fantastic Mental Health expert, fitness coach and motivational speaker. Cillian faced many challenging areas in his life as a young man, and speaks to us about how he overcame them and what he finds beneficial on a day to day basis in order to keep those past difficulties from occurring. Thank you Cillian for your determination to help others and the honesty throughout this episode. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112. 

If you would like to join our podcast community and come on for an episode, or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com.

In this episode I speak to Andrew Feeney (Andrew's Journey), this is a conversation of a journey through struggle and heartache. Andrew speaks about his path through mental health, drug use and alcohol addiction. He open's up to the extent his emotions take over from suicide attempts and counselling to now becoming an advocate for mental health. Andrew, reals in an honest and frank conversation with LTSP and I hope you all understand how brave he is to speak to us. The reason we invited Andrew along is to showcase that when you really feel like life is not worth living you are wrong. Andrew is living proof that you can overcome your struggles but you have to ask for help. 

We were very grateful and lucky to have Andrew on our podcast and we hope you enjoy it. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112. If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com.

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay ❤️

In this Episode we are joined by author, speaker and high performance coach Pat Divilly. Pat is an incredible person and extremely passionate about wellbeing and emotional resilience. We do not want to give too much away, but be prepared to zone out of the stress of your busy life and feel relaxed after finishing this episode. Grab a pen and paper and take some notes along the way. 

We were very grateful and lucky to have Pat on our podcast and we hope you enjoy it. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay ❤️ 

This week we speak to Marie Rainsford. Marie, is a current member of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention and is a bundle of positivity. I don't want to say too much about this episode. I'd like you to go on a journey with Marie as she speaks about her own tips to manage her own sanity. She has so much to say about life, from not letting things get to her and most importantly how important it is to eliminate the things that do not bring you joy. I just know you will love Marie and everything she brings to this episode. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347 Pieta House: 1800247247 Emergencies: 999/112 

If you would like to join our episode or if you would like to share how you feel after listening please email ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

This week we are joined by Stephen Leahy, who speaks about his own personal journey through Mental Health. We speak about Panic Attacks and how they can make you feel on days when you are struggling. Stephen has just joined the Social Democrats to ensure he can use his voice to help improve the Mental Health services in Limerick. This is a really great episode filled with important reminders to ask for help before it all get's too much to handle. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk:

Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347

Pieta House: 1800247247

Emergencies: 999/112

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x

This week we speak to Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention's Chairman Matt Collins. In this episode Matt opens up about his own struggles with depression and the pain it caused him. This is a really important episode about asking for help, and to know that there is always help and support available, no matter what you are going through. Matt takes to us about love, fear and anxiety and how it is important to reach out to someone. We speak about the struggles we as an organisation face in order to give you as listeners a real insight to what we do as an organisation. 

Remember, we have a 24hr helpline if you feel like you need some help and there are also some other numbers to keep and use if you, a friends, or a family member may need to talk: 

Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention: 0857845347

Pieta House: 1800247247

Emergencies: 999/112

Thanks for listening and remember it's okay not to be okay x