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 neurons that fire together wire together, how Tilda research shows 206,800 adults over 70 volunteer annually demonstrating active community contribution, and why starting with one small consistent change like 20 minute brisk walks matters more than perfectionistic overnight transformations.
With special interest in neuropsychology, disability, trauma and resilience, Dr Cremen shares practical strategies for supporting brain health including hearing aid maintenance, challenging ageist assumptions about capability, and understanding that sleep architecture changes naturally with age requiring different amounts than teenage years
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Dr Clodagh Cremen is senior clinical psychologist on psychiatry of later life team at St John of God University Hospital, working with adults over 65 experiencing mood struggles, anxiety, adjustment challenges or grief whilst providing assessment through listening and formal cognitive testing alongside intervention teaching coping skills.
With special interest in neuropsychology, disability, trauma and resilience, she worked extensively in neuro rehabilitation settings with acquired brain injury survivors and their families from historical background including interest in people born 1940s through different generations within over 65 category.
Her approach focuses on empowering people to flourish, thrive and build fulfilling lives by supporting return to meaningful activities that matter to individuals rather than prescribed goals, bringing holistic psychological perspective to multidisciplinary team whilst showing compassion for brains doing their best under difficult circumstances.
MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie
QUOTES
The brain is plastic, so it does change over time. It adapts. New connections get formed and that's often based on what's happening in our environment around us, and equally physiologically, what's happening internally inside our bodies as well. - Dr Clodagh Cremen
The way that the brain is structured is that there's different parts within the brain, we call them lobes. These lobes have different jobs and communicate with one another through what we call neural pathways. These form networks. It's a bit like having big cities that are connected to one another via motorways. Something might happen in life, and one of these motorways close. The traffic diverts, so maybe it starts using the country roads more. The messages might get delivered at a different pace. But over time, what can happen as this new road gets used is that it can become more developed. The traffic can reroute so the messages can still get through. - Dr Clodagh Cremen
It's never too late. Our brains have evolved over billions of years to consistently adapt and change, and we always have the capacity to learn, and that's one of the things that makes life so interesting. Changing can seem daunting. It can feel overwhelming. Start with the simple stuff, stuff that you have control over, that feels easy and manageable for you. You're good enough, good enough person as you are, and that can be true, and it can also be true that there's stuff that you want to change. To go easy on yourself. Life is hard. It's not too late. Notice and celebrate the small stuff that maybe you have changed. - Dr Clodagh Cremen
KEYWORDS
#Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth #AgeingWell #MentalWellbeing #CognitiveResilience
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 horticulture programs transforming patient recovery, Shirley shares evidence-based practices, practical activities anyone can try today, and why our connection to the natural world matters more than ever for psychological well-being.
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Shirley Gleeson is a Senior Social Worker with the Addictions Team in St John of God University Hospital. She has 25 years’ experience in social work and has spent the past decade working in both child and adolescent and adult mental health. She has Masters in both social work and health promotion and has spoken at international conferences on the area of mental health and the natural environment. She has trained in various nature-based therapies in the U.S, South Africa and the U.K. Prior to her current post Shirley worked on several European projects in this area. She is passionate about both social and environmental justice
MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie
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KEYWORDS
#naturetherapy #planetaryhealth #mentalwellbeing #ecotherapy #greenspaces
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 how hormones like cortisol play a role, to recognizing early signs of burnout, we’ll unpack the science and psychology of stress.
We’ll also talk about the importance of self-care, social connection, and new approaches like social prescribing that go beyond traditional medical treatment.
Joining us is seasoned specialist in stress management, lifestyle health, and social prescribing who is our Health Promotion Nurse Specialist at St John of God University Hospital, Denise McGinley.
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Denise Mc Ginley is the Health Promotion Nurse Specialist at St John of God University Hospital.
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/denise-mc-ginley-5714b131b
MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie
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KEYWORDS
#stress #burnout #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #cortisol #mindfulness #sleep #socialprescribing, #wellbeing
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 psychological effects of digital engagement and dopamine-driven doom scrolling, along with strategies for setting healthier boundaries, recognising signs of digital overload, and introducing mindful practices that support balance and calm.
Our expert guest has a wealth of experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care and is passionate about how we can live more consciously in a connected world. It's a pleasure to have Senior Clinical Psychologist at St. John of God University Hospital, Dr Amy Watchorn.
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Dr Amy Watchorn is a Senior Clinical Psychologist working in St John of God University Hospital and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the UCD School of Psychology. She holds a Graduate Degree in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Neuroscience from University College London and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University of Limerick.
She has a background working with various groups including people struggling with personality disorders, dual diagnosis, depression and anxiety. She currently works as part of an inpatient addictions team and has a strong interest in this area, including involvement in research regarding the impact of addiction on people’s mental health.
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/dr-amy-watchorn-754091a7
MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie
QUOTES
If they can't just spend an hour away from their phone, then maybe they need to think about whether or not this is becoming problematic. - - Dr Amy Watchorn
You’ve got to remember that online, everyone is living their best lives. - Dr Amy Watchorn
We weren't born to communicate this way. Our brains are not a good fit for the amount of information that's being thrown at us. - Dr Amy Watchorn
You're not getting that holistic experience of tone, body language, all those nuances that are actually much more important for communication. - Dr Amy Watchorn
KEYWORDS
#Socialmedia #mentalhealth #addiction #dopamine #anxiety #mindfulness #technology
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, our podcast offers fresh perspectives on topics including stress management, digital wellbeing, anxiety, imposter syndrome, and more.
Stigma Shift launches on Apple, Spotify and YouTube soon. Follow now so you don't miss the first episode.