100 Voices: Kevin Baird On Checking in and Managing Mental Health: #NowWereTalking

It's clear that we urgently need more funding for mental health services in Ireland, but we also need to take more time for our own self care. It's a busy world out there and it's easy to get caught up in it. But taking time for yourself, checking-in with how you're feeling on a regular basis, and having the resources and knowledge to help when you need it can really turn the tide.

I suffered with depression a few years ago and it was tough. Really tough. I still battle with anxiety, albeit less and less so. I find mindfulness (I use an app called Headspace) - and talk therapy, when I need it - work the best for me. We all need a little emotional maintenance along the way. There's no shame in it. Sometimes it's good to take a step back and look at our relationship with what's around us, whether that be Facebook or pints with your mates, and ask yourself if it's healthy; do you feel better after doing it? And if you don't, that's ok, maybe try taking a break from it. More than anything, it's good to talk. Everything seems just that little bit easier once you say it out loud.

100 Voices was published in the Hot Press Mental Health Special in conjunction with Lyons Tea and Pieta House as part of the Now We're Talking Campaign. For more please visit hotpress.com/now-were-talking/