Castletown psychologist behind HSE’s free new ‘Balancing Stress’ programme

The HSE has developed a free, easy-to-access online programme called ‘Balancing Stress’ to support people across Ireland in managing everyday stress.

The programme, which is delivered by Castletown Geoghegan native, Dr Niamh Clarke, HSE principal psychologist and principal psychology manager in Longford Westmeath, was launched earlier this month by Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, TD, Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy.

The programme offers six self-directed online video sessions (each around 35 minutes) covering topics including managing stress, worry, anxiety, low mood, and relationship stress. It is available free of charge.

It features expert interviews with Professor Alan Carr, clinical psychology at the UCD School of Psychology, as well as guided exercises across all six sessions. Participants can watch at their own pace, on their own time, using a phone, tablet or laptop.

According to the HSE, stress is something many people can struggle with from time to time. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Learning how to manage stress is essential for both our mental and physical wellbeing.

“The ‘Balancing Stress’ programme provides clear, practical strategies backed by scientific evidence to help people not just cope, but thrive. I’m proud to be part of an initiative that offers such valuable resources to the public for free,” Dr Clarke said at the launch.

Minister O’Connor said that in today’s society managing stress has become more crucial than ever: “Stress is a part of life and it can have a profound impact on our health, our productivity and our relationships,” she said.

The new programme complements existing HSE mental health and wellbeing supports and reflects the HSE’s commitment to accessible, preventative mental health services.

Access the programme online on www2.hse.ie/mental-health/self-help.