Mental Health & Wellbeing

START (Suicide Prevention Skills Online) training is an introduction to suicide prevention training and the precursor to safeTALK and ASIST Training. It is not suitable if you have already completed safeTALK or ASIST training. 

START is a Level 2 alertness skills programme. Whilst not as advanced as safeTALK or the two-day intervention skills workshop ASIST, it does, however, provide the opportunity for participants to:

• Become more comfortable talking about suicide
• Feel more confident in keeping a person safe in times of distress
• Be able to support members of the community, friends and co-workers
• Build personal professional skills
• Have peace of mind knowing the readiness to help is obtained
• Gain awareness of the supports and services that are available.

A licence is required by each individual to undertake the Start programme. START training is free. It is imperative that anyone who applies for a licence is committed to completing the programme. START training takes on average 90 minutes to complete. Participants have 60 days to complete training after which the licence expires.

Further information can be found (opens in a new window)on the HSE website. To register please contact (opens in a new window)admin@breakingthrough.org

To support your mental wellbeing, you may like to build some of the suggestions below into your new routine:

• Limit the time spent consuming news and on social media as the constant stream of information on corona virus, which may include incorrect information, might lead to unnecessary anxiety
• Ensure you update yourself with news from reputable sources such as Health Safety Executive ((opens in a new window)HSE) and the World Health Organisation ((opens in a new window)WHO)
• See also this resource created under the UCD SPARC project on finding credible mental health information online: Believe It or Not
• Continue to implement healthy eating and sleeping habits to counter the effects of stress – include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet and aim for 7-8 hours’ sleep each night
• Build time for activities you enjoy such as reading, listening to music, drawing or painting and other creative activities
• Going for a walk in a green space will benefit your mental wellbeing. However, it is important to avoid crowded spaces and observe social distancing
• Open a window to let fresh air in - this has a positive impact
• Continue to connect with family and friends via telephone calls, video calls and voice messages as well as text messages and emails
• Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include: Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones; Changes in sleep or eating patterns; Difficulty concentrating. Recognise that any of these are normal reactions to stress. If they persist, consider speaking to a health professional
• Try minduflness and meditation apps such as Headspace or do 10-minute check-ins to assess how you're feeling and where your mind is

Many UCD employees are working remotely for the first time in isolation from co-workers and it is important to maintain a regular schedule. You can also read the new UCD policy on (opens in a new window)Remote Working during Covid-19 outbreak.

See more information below in relation to remote working and creating your new routine:

• Structure your day: Get up early, shower and get dressed
• If you are used to working out or walking before work, try to fit this activity into your new routine
• Set up daily tasks and be realistic - this way of working can be more trying and tiring. Speak to your line manager if you find it difficult to prioritise
• Take plenty of breaks
• Make one room or space an office - the psychological distance between workspace and domestic space is important
• Have a cup of tea or coffee during team catch ups
• Try to bring some of the normal aspects of work into remote working by checking in with colleagues via phone or Zoom - not only about work - and scheduling virtual lunch or coffee breaks with friends

Infographic: Working from Home - Extraversion and Introversion (Myers Briggs Company)

• The World Health Organization compiled all information and resources on Covid-19 on this (opens in a new window)webpage.
• The WHO also developed a (opens in a new window)guide on coping with stress during the outbreak and a (opens in a new window)guide on helping children cope with stress.
• The HSE website offers helpful (opens in a new window)tips on how to ensure your mental health is not affected during the coronavirus outbreak.
• HSE Health and Wellbeing created a set of five (opens in a new window)videos on Minding your Wellbeing.
• UCD supports the See Change Green Ribbon Campaign to end mental health stigma. More information .
• BBC (opens in a new window)Article on Recucing Zoom Fatigue.
• Derek Mowbray's (opens in a new window)Tips for Strenghtening the Resilience of Remote Workers (Management Advisory Services)

You may find these LinkedIn Learning Videos helpful during this time (available for free):

• (opens in a new window)Becoming Mindful at Work (total duration: 2h 3m 43s)
• (opens in a new window)The Mindful Workday (40m 20s)
• (opens in a new window)Manage Stress for Positive Change (57m 59s)
• (opens in a new window)How to Manage feeling Overwhelmed (43m 16s)
• (opens in a new window)Balancing Work and Life (28m 51s)

IBEC Networks have put together five quick webinars from industry experts to help those who are facing challenges various reasons at this time. Please note that name and email address must be entered to view the below recordings.

1. Fighting Covid monotony – 8 minutes

Susannah Morrissey, (opens in a new window)OM Wellness shares tips to overcome that feeling of Groundhog Day.

(opens in a new window)View recording

2. Eat right, stay bright – 7 minutes

Explore links between gut and brain health. Advice on simple changes to your diet with Jenny White, (opens in a new window)Beoga Nutrition.

(opens in a new window)View recording

3. Big stretch – 21 minutes

Learn simple techniques and stretches to support you at your desk with James Kennedy, (opens in a new window)Kos Ergonomics.

(opens in a new window)View recording

4. Improving sleep quality – 14 mins

John Paul Hughes, (opens in a new window)Zevo Health will reveal some useful tips to enrich your sleep.

(opens in a new window)View recording

5. And breathe… - 14 minutes

Uncover the power of effective breathing. Susannah Morrissey, (opens in a new window)OM Wellness will coach you in the art of mindful breathing.

(opens in a new window)View recording