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

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Brain plastic changes adapts forms new connections environment
• One small consistent change not perfectionistic overnight transformation
• Over seventies volunteer provide care contribute Irish society fabric
• Hearing aids cognitive functioning maintenance never too late
• Mindfulness skill takes practice not silver bullet stress

GUEST DETAILS


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

Pick one thing, one small thing, and the goal might be to do it consistently. I think it's about trying not to get stuck in a cycle of being perfectionistic about it, and feeling like I'm never doing a good enough job. - 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.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• How spending just 120 minutes per week in nature improves psychological well-being.
• The three main scientific theories explaining nature's mental health benefits.
• Why equality of access to quality green spaces matters.
• Practical nature-based interventions used in healthcare settings
• The simple activities anyone can start today

GUEST DETAILS

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

QUOTES

• The further we're away from nature, the more mental health difficulties we might experience. We are part of nature, but in the modern day world, sometimes we're separated from it, and that causes us a lot of stress. - Shirley Gleeson
• Research found that people that spend 120 minutes a week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and better psychological well-being. - Shirley Gleeson
• Natural settings promote what they call soft fascination, which meant that the brain had time to relax. Things like listening to bird song or flowing water or the movement in nature really helped relax and promoted the soft fascination. - Shirley Gleeson

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.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Recognising the early signs of stress on your body and mind
• How cortisol impacts sleep, appetite, digestion and focus.
• The difference between healthy stress and harmful burnout
• Mindfulness, lifestyle tweaks, and everyday self-care routines to manage stress
• Social prescribing as a non-medical intervention to support emotional wellbeing

GUEST DETAILS

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

QUOTES

• It's important to look at the mind-body connection. There is something going on in your brain that causes you to feel stressed, and that, in turn, has a physical effect on your body. - Denise McGinley
• When we feel stressed, we have this excess amount of cortisol running around our bodies. That can have an impact on our sleep, how we eat and poor concentration. - Denise McGinley
• It's really important to know yourself and know your own body and mind. - Denise McGinley
• From a health promotion perspective, prevention is the big thing. - Denise McGinley

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.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Understanding digital addiction symptoms like anxiety and disconnection
• How social media taps into the brain’s dopamine-driven reward system
• Social comparison that can distort self-image and contribute to unrealistic expectations
• Practical advice on mindful awareness and setting boundaries
• Bridging generational tech gaps between parents and young people

GUEST DETAILS

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.