Mental Health & Wellbeing
Evidence based resources to support your mental health at university and beyond.
Browse the topics below, or search the Mental Health and Wellbeing theme in the DEVELOP course index.
| Search |
| Addiction |
Addiction (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Struggling with addiction or wanting to understand more? |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection offers a curated selection of eBooks and print titles dedicated to supporting your wellbeing. You can find these resources in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? When struggling with alcohol, drug use, gambling or any other type of addiction. The addiction section is a good place to start, to help you understand addiction and support recovery. |
Adult Children of Alcoholics (Booklet)
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Why? Growing up in an environment where alcohol was a significant part of family life can have a lasting impact. |
What? This text-based guide offers insights and support to help you navigate the unique challenges you may be facing as an adult. Use this guide whenever you need a private space to process complex emotions or seek a deeper understanding of your experiences. |
When? It's a compassionate, self-paced resource to turn to when you're feeling overwhelmed, reflecting on your upbringing, or simply looking to understand yourself better amidst the pressures of university life. |
| Anxiety & Stress |
Anxiety and Stress (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or feel your anxiety is taking over? |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection is your personal library for strengthening self-care and maintaining your physical, emotional, and personal wellbeing. It includes a curated collection of eBooks and print titles, located in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and O’Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? Access it anytime you need reliable information, suggestions, and tips on managing life issues like anxiety, stress, relationships, or just want to boost your self-care during busy semester periods or while preparing for exams. |
Balance your thinking (Course)
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Why? Is your inner critic getting too loud? |
What? This Togetherall course is designed to help you quiet negative self-talk and shift your perspective. You'll learn powerful, evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Restructuring to actively manage overwhelming thoughts and gain a more balanced, positive outlook on your life and studies. |
When? This is a gamechanger for moments of self-doubt before a big presentation, when bouncing back from a disappointing grade, or tackling imposter syndrome. |
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or feel your anxiety is taking over? |
What? This video is your quick guide to spotting the signs that your stress levels are running too high. More importantly, you'll learn simple, powerful ways to 'ground' yourself - bringing you back to a calmer, focused state. |
When? This is helpful when you are feeling panicky before a big deadline, overwhelmed by a heavy study schedule, or need a quick mental reset before a social event. |
From Challenges to Strengths (Audio Exercise)
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Why? Feeling like you're only focusing on what's hard? |
What? This quick audio exercise guides you through recognising and building on the strengths you already have |
When? It's useful for when you need a confidence boost after a tough assignment or want to apply your hidden talents to a new group project. |
Grounding Exercise for a Racing Mind (Audio Exercise)
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed or scattered? |
What? This quick audio exercise uses simple techniques to bring your focus back to the present moment and calm your nervous system. |
When? It's a helpful on-the-spot tool for when you feel panicky, are struggling to concentrate in a busy lecture hall, or need to reset before a challenging conversation. |
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Why? Experiencing grief - whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship breakup, or a significant life transition - can feel overwhelming, especially while managing university life. |
What? This text-based guide offers a gentle space to explore these complex emotions, providing insights into the grieving process and practical resources to help you find support when you need it most. |
When? It's a useful resource for those times when academic pressures or campus transitions bring up difficult feelings, offering a quiet, self-paced way to understand your experience and care for your wellbeing. |
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Why? Ever feel like your emotions are a bit of a rollercoaster? |
What? This Togetherall course is a great space to explore your feelings, learn how to identify them, and build the confidence to manage them in a healthy way. You’ll develop emotional literacy through practical journaling and goal-setting activities, plus access helpful worksheets along the way. |
When? It’s a helpful resource for navigating the emotional ups and downs of university life, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by a busy semester, adjusting to new social circles, or just want to understand yourself a little better. |
Managing Health Anxiety (Course)
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Why? Feeling constantly worried about your health or finding yourself spiralling after a minor physical symptom? |
What? This Togetherall course provides a space to address persistent health anxieties. You'll learn evidence-based techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts and implement strategies like Exposure Response Prevention to gain perspective. |
When? It’s a valuable tool for when you're feeling anxious about your wellbeing during intense study periods, or when health-related stress is impacting your focus and daily university life. |
Managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (Course)
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Why? Dealing with repetitive thoughts or checking rituals that feel impossible to ignore? |
What? This Togetherall course offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you break free from obsessive thought loops and reduce repetitive behaviours. |
When? Whether your anxiety flares up during stressful exam weeks or affects your ability to concentrate on assignments, this course provides a supportive space to regain control and focus on what matters most to your studies and wellbeing. |
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed by sudden panic or anxiety? |
What? This Togetherall course provides practical strategies to help you navigate panic attacks. You’ll learn how to combine thought-challenging techniques with Graded Exposure, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to reduce emotional distress and regain a sense of calm. |
When? This is a helpful resource if you’re finding that panic is impacting your ability to attend lectures, take exams, or participate in group work. It’s also useful for those moments when academic pressure or social anxiety spikes and you need effective, evidence-based coping tools to manage your response. |
Managing Social Anxiety (Course)
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Why? Struggling with self-harm can be incredibly difficult, but you don't have to navigate it alone. |
What? This Togetherall course offers a supportive, non-judgmental space to help you understand your experiences, debunk common myths, and learn practical, evidence-based coping strategies. You'll explore effective distraction techniques, emotional regulation skills, and use a private diary for self-monitoring. |
When? Whether you're feeling overwhelmed during a high-pressure exam period or just need a place to process complex emotions, this course provides useful tools to help you build resilience and take steps toward better wellbeing. |
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed by sudden panic or anxiety? |
What? This Togetherall course provides practical strategies to help you navigate panic attacks. You’ll learn how to combine thought-challenging techniques with Graded Exposure, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to reduce emotional distress and regain a sense of calm. |
When? This is a helpful resource if you’re finding that panic is impacting your ability to attend lectures, take exams, or participate in group work. It’s also useful for those moments when academic pressure or social anxiety spikes and you need effective, evidence-based coping tools to manage your response. |
Managing Stress (Course section)
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Why? Finding it hard to stay balanced amidst the demands of university? |
What? This practice-focused section of the 'Discover Self-Management' course is packed with helpful tools designed to support your academic success, personal growth, and professional future. |
When? Take your time with each exercise - they’re practical, easy to revisit, and built to help you navigate everything from stressful exam seasons to balancing your busy social and study life. |
Managing Stress & Worry (Course)
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Why? Feeling constantly stressed or caught in a loop of worry? |
What? This Togetherall course gives you practical, evidence-based strategies to help you manage high stress and chronic anxiety. You’ll learn techniques to regain your calm and focus, making it easier to navigate the pressures of deadlines, exams, and balancing your university workload. |
When? It’s a great resource for when you need a mental reset and want to build resilience for your studies and daily life. |
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Why? Ever find yourself wondering about what makes you tick? |
What? This text-based guide is a roadmap to understanding your inner psychological world. |
When? It’s a useful map for those quiet moments between lectures, a helpful tool for navigating life decisions during your time at university, or simply a way to deepen your self-understanding as you grow personally throughout your degree. |
Safe Place Visualization (Audio Exercise)
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Why? Feeling stressed or need a break from the books? This audio exercise helps you switch off and find a moment of calm. |
What? This audio exercise is a guided visualisation that takes you to a safe, quiet space to help you relax and de-stress. |
When? Use this when you're feeling overwhelmed by exam pressure, tired after a long day of lectures, or just need to hit the pause button and reset your mind. |
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Why? Ever wondered why you react the way you do or how your mindset shapes your university experience? |
What? This insightful podcast dives into the heart of self-awareness, offering practical tips to better understand your emotions, strengths, and personal triggers. Developing this key skill will help you stay grounded and focused throughout your time at college |
When? It is especially useful when reflecting on your academic performance, navigating complex social relationships, or preparing for interviews and career planning. |
Self-Care Evidence-based Approaches to Wellbeing and Mental Health (Booklet)
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Why? Need a confidence boost? |
What? Boost your confidence and change your perspective with this insightful podcast on self-belief. It explores how your inner narrative shapes your daily life and offers practical steps to foster a more positive mindset. Cultivating this belief in yourself will help you tackle university challenges with greater resilience and positivity. |
When? This resource is particularly useful when you're feeling overwhelmed by exam pressure, preparing for a challenging presentation, or working to overcome "imposter syndrome" during your studies. |
Tracking Unhelpful Thinking (Booklet)
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Why? Caught in a cycle of negative self-talk or find yourself spiralling into unhelpful thoughts? |
What? This text-based guide offers clear, evidence-based strategies to help you identify and challenge those negative patterns. |
When? It’s a valuable toolkit for those times when academic stress feels overwhelming, imposter syndrome creeps in, or you're just looking for practical techniques to regain a more positive and balanced mindset during your busy university weeks. |
Working with Unhelpful Thinking (Booklet)
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Why? Caught in a cycle of negative self-talk? |
What? This text-based guide offers clear, evidence-based strategies to help you identify and challenge those negative patterns. |
When? It’s a valuable toolkit for those times when academic stress feels overwhelming, imposter syndrome creeps in, or you're just looking for practical techniques to regain a more positive and balanced mindset during your busy university weeks. |
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Why? Ever find yourself getting stuck in negative thought loops after a tough lecture or a stressful assignment? |
What? This printable daily record PDF is your go-to tool for tracking those moments and challenging unhelpful beliefs. It’s designed to help you catch ‘cognitive distortions’ as they happen, giving you a clear, structured way to reframe your thinking. |
When? Whether you're navigating exam season, dealing with imposter syndrome, or just trying to build more balanced self-talk, this simple worksheet helps you gain perspective and take control of your mindset-one entry at a time. |
| Depression |
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Why? Feeling a bit low or struggling to shake those "blues"? |
What? This Togetherall course is a space to explore what your moods are telling you and create a personalised coping plan to manage the highs and lows. You’ll also get to use a daily Mood Journal to track your progress and build your emotional skills. |
When? Whether you’re feeling the pressure of a heavy workload, adjusting to campus life, or just having a tough week, this course offers a supportive environment to help you find your balance again. |
Depression (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Feeling low, unmotivated, or just not like yourself? |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection offers a curated selection of eBooks and print titles dedicated to supporting your mental wellbeing and understanding depression. You can find these resources in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? When your mood is low and if you're feeling depressed, please visit the Depression section of the Live Wise Book Therapy Collection to better understand your experience and find helpful strategies to cope. |
Managing Depression & Low Mood (Course)
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Why? Do you often find your thoughts racing toward the worst-case scenario? This habit, known as catastrophising, is a frequent challenge when university pressures mount. |
What? This video explores how this cognitive distortion causes your brain to magnify worries and provides practical, evidence-based techniques to help you challenge these intrusive thoughts. |
When? It is an ideal resource for students who feel themselves spiralling before an exam, experiencing intense anxiety over a grade, or feeling defeated by minor academic setbacks. By learning these steps, you can gain a clearer perspective, quiet your mind, and effectively break the cycle of "what-if" thinking. |
| Grief & Loss |
Coping with Grief & Loss (Course)
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Why? Experiencing grief-whether from the loss of a loved one, a relationship breakup, or a significant life change-can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially while trying to manage the demands of university. |
What? This Togetherall course provides a safe, supportive space to help you understand your grief, navigate the complex range of emotions you might be feeling, and develop gentle, effective coping strategies to move forward. |
When? It’s a valuable resource when you need extra support to balance your academic responsibilities with your personal wellbeing or simply need a compassionate place to process your experiences at your own pace. |
Grief & Loss (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Grief can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially while trying to navigate the demands of university life. |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection offers a curated selection of eBooks and print titles dedicated to helping you understand and process loss in your own time. You can find these resources in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? Whether you’re processing a significant life change, missing a loved one, or simply looking for compassionate support, these resources provide reliable information. |
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Why? Experiencing grief - whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship breakup, or a significant life transition - can feel overwhelming, especially while managing university life. |
What? This text-based guide offers a gentle space to explore these complex emotions, providing insights into the grieving process and practical resources to help you find support when you need it most. |
When? It's a useful resource for those times when academic pressures or campus transitions bring up difficult feelings, offering a quiet, self-paced way to understand your experience and care for your wellbeing. |
| Health & Illness |
Health & Illness (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Navigating health concerns or living with a long-term condition during university can be challenging. |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection provides a curated selection of eBooks and print titles designed to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. These resources are available in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? Whether you're managing a new diagnosis, dealing with persistent health issues, or simply looking to build resilience and self-care practices, this collection offers reliable information and compassionate support. |
| Mindfulness & Self Compassion |
5.2.7 Breathing Practice (Audio Exercise)
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Why? Need a moment to reset? |
What? This short, calming audio guide walks you through the 5-2-7 breathing technique - a simple, effective way to clear your mind, lower stress, and find your focus whenever you need it most. |
When? It’s a perfect tool to use before an exam or presentation to help you stay grounded. |
A Short Breathing Space Practice (Podcast)
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Why? Feeling the pressure of back-to-back lectures or a looming deadline? |
What? This short podcast introduces a simple 'breathing space' practice-a quick, effective tool to help you pause, reconnect with the present, and lower your stress levels. |
When? It’s perfect for finding a moment of calm between classes, during a study break, or whenever you need to hit the reset button to regain your focus and clarity. |
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (Handbook)
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Why? Struggling to stay focused or feeling the weight of academic pressure? |
What? This text-based guide is a practical introduction to mindfulness, offering evidence-based techniques to help you reduce stress and find more balance in your daily life. Whether you're navigating exam season, managing a busy social calendar, or just need a moment of peace, these practices are easy to integrate into your routine. |
When? It's a valuable resource to turn to when you need to clear your mind, build resilience, and take a more mindful approach to your university experience. |
Mindfulness of Breathing (Podcast)
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Why? Feeling like your thoughts are racing or struggling to focus on your studies? |
What? This guided mindfulness of breathing podcast is your simple, accessible tool to help you anchor yourself in the present moment. |
When? It's a fantastic practice to use when you need to quiet a busy mind before an exam, decompress after a long day of lectures, or find a quick sense of calm amidst a hectic university schedule. |
Mindfulness & Self Compassion (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Need some extra support to build your resilience and practice self-kindness? |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection offers a curated selection of eBooks and print titles dedicated to mindfulness, self-compassion, and overall wellbeing. You can browse these resources in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? When feeling overly critical of yourself or needing to step back. This will provide a self-paced way to explore different mindfulness techniques and deepen your understanding of self-compassion. |
Self-Compassion Guided Meditation (Video)
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Why? Struggling to manage intense or overwhelming emotions during the semester? |
What? This video provides a soothing, guided meditation specifically designed to help you hold and process difficult emotions with kindness and patience. |
When? It's a gentle, supportive resource to turn to when you're feeling emotionally drained after a difficult exam, experiencing relationship challenges, or just need a quiet moment to be kind to yourself amidst the rush of campus life. |
The Body Scan Mindfulness Practice (Podcast)
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Why? Need a moment to disconnect from the stress of your day? |
What? This guided body scan mindfulness podcast helps you tune into your physical sensations, release built-up tension, and find a sense of relaxation. |
When? It’s a perfect way to decompress after an intense lecture, wind down before sleep if your mind is racing with deadlines or simply ground yourself when campus life feels overwhelming. Take a few minutes to check in with yourself and restore your sense of calm. |
Mindful Movement Practice (Podcast)
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Why? Struggling to sit still or feeling restless during long study sessions? |
What? This guided mindful movement podcast helps you reconnect with your body and release built-up physical tension. It's an active way to take a break from your desk, shake off study fatigue, and return to your work feeling refreshed and more present. |
When? Whether you're stuck in the library, taking a quick break between lectures, or just need to reset your energy, this practice offers a simple, accessible way to incorporate movement into your mental wellbeing routine. |
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Why? Need a moment of stillness in your busy day? |
What? This guided sitting meditation podcast is your go-to space to pause, breathe, and find a sense of quiet. It helps to clear a cluttered mind, reducing study stress, or just taking a well-deserved mental break between lectures. |
When? Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by assignment deadlines or simply want to cultivate a more peaceful mindset during the semester, this practice offers a simple, accessible way to centre yourself and find focus. |
| Psychological Toolkit: DBT Video Series |
Welcome to our series of short evidence-based Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) video series. Explore techniques for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and effective communication. By engaging with each technique at your own pace, you may develop a personalised toolkit for better managing stressful situations in your academic and personal life.
Explore each technique and select those that work best for you.
Tools for Emotional Regulation
A Distress Tolerance Skill, the STOPP Skill (Video)
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Why? Ever feel like your emotions get the better of you in a stressful situation? |
What? The STOPP technique video (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Pull back for Perspective, and Practise what works) is a simple, effective tool to help you create a vital pause between a challenging situation and your reaction. |
When? It’s perfect for those moments when you're feeling overwhelmed by a tough email, caught in a heated group project disagreement, or struggling to manage your stress levels during exam season. Watch this video to learn how to master this skill and regain control of your response. |
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just unable to concentrate? |
What? The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a grounding technique that helps you quickly calm racing thoughts and reconnect with the present moment. By focusing on your five senses, you can shift your attention away from stress and regain your focus. |
When? This can be useful at times of high anxiety, such as before a big presentation, while studying for exams, or when social situations feel a bit too much. Try it whenever you need to hit the 'pause' button and find your calm, centred self again. |
The Self Soothe Technique (Video)
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Why? Struggling to manage intense emotions or feeling overwhelmed by stress? |
What? This Self-Soothe video teaches you a powerful technique using your five senses to ground yourself and find calm in the middle of chaos. It's a useful tool to have in your wellbeing toolkit for whenever life feels like a bit too much |
When? It's a quick and practical strategy for when you need to de-escalate anxiety, stay present during a difficult conversation, or simply take a moment of care for yourself during a busy, high-pressure study session. |
Fact or Opinion, Challenge your Thoughts (Video)
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Why? Are your thoughts running wild with 'what ifs' and assumptions? It’s incredibly common, especially when navigating the ups and downs of university life. |
What? This video dives into the vital skill of challenging your thoughts by learning to tell the difference between objective facts and subjective opinions. |
When? It’s a practical resource to help you break free from negative thought patterns - perfect for when you’re spiralling after a tough assignment, feeling unsure about your abilities, or just need a clearer perspective on your daily challenges. Learn to pause, question your assumptions, and cultivate a more balanced, resilient mindset. |
The Opposite Action Technique (Video)
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Why? Feeling trapped by intense emotions or struggling with urges that don't help you? |
What? The Opposite Action technique is a science-backed method that helps you shift your perspective by gently doing the exact opposite of what a difficult emotion is pushing you to do. This video demonstrates how to use this tool to break negative cycles. |
When? This tool is especially helpful for navigating university life, such as managing exam-related pressure, overcoming social nerves, or simply getting unstuck from a mental rut. |
Managing Catastrophising Techniques (Video)
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Why? Do you often find your thoughts racing toward the worst-case scenario? This habit, known as catastrophising, is a frequent challenge when university pressures mount. |
What? This video explores how this cognitive distortion causes your brain to magnify worries and provides practical, evidence-based techniques to help you challenge these intrusive thoughts. |
When? It is an ideal resource for students who feel themselves spiralling before an exam, experiencing intense anxiety over a grade, or feeling defeated by minor academic setbacks. By learning these steps, you can gain a clearer perspective, quiet your mind, and effectively break the cycle of "what-if" thinking. |
Accessing your Wise Mind (Video)
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Why? Struggling to find clarity when emotions run high, or feeling like you're stuck between your feelings and what makes sense? |
What? This video explores the concept of the 'Wise Mind'—a powerful tool for finding balance by harmonising your emotional and rational thoughts to help you navigate tricky situations with ease. |
When? It’s a brilliant resource for those moments when you're overwhelmed by academic or social pressures, need to make a tough decision, or just want to feel more centred and in control during your time at university. |
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Why? Struggling with avoidance, irritation, or feeling trapped by tough situations? |
What? These two videos explore radical acceptance - a way to acknowledge difficult circumstances completely so you can progress rather than staying stuck in avoidance. You'll learn how to cease the struggle against uncontrollable situations and refocus on your goals. |
When? Use these videos when you’re dealing with a poor grade, roommate friction, or a general sense of being overwhelmed. It's a powerful approach to stop resisting and start prioritising your own personal strength. |
Tools for Mindfulness Practice
Why is Mindfulness a Superpower? (Video)
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Why? Curious why everyone is talking about mindfulness? |
What? This video dives into why mindfulness isn't just a buzzword and is a powerful "superpower" for your wellbeing. You'll learn how it can sharpen your focus, help you stay calm during the busiest weeks of the semester, and boost your overall resilience. |
When? It’s an essential, quick watch for those times when academic deadlines feel overwhelming, you're struggling to switch off, or you just want to build a more mindful approach to your daily university life. Discover how this simple practice can help you find your balance and navigate the highs and lows of student life with a clearer mind. |
Mindfulness of Current Emotions (Video)
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Why? Struggling to stay grounded when emotions run high? |
What? This video explores how to handle intense feelings in the moment using mindfulness. |
When? It's a practical, accessible tool to help you pause, breathe, and navigate difficult feelings - whether it's managing frustration during a group project, feeling overwhelmed by exam pressure, or dealing with a tough social situation. Learn simple, effective strategies to stay present and compassionate with yourself, even when things get difficult. |
Tools for Distress Tolerance
TIPP skills to help reduce strong emotions quickly (Video)
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions? Sometimes, when stress or anxiety hits its peak, we need quick, effective ways to regain balance. |
What? This video introduces four powerful 'TIPP' skills - designed to help you regulate your nervous system when things feel out of control. |
When? Whether you're struggling to stay calm during an exam, dealing with a tough social situation, or just need to handle intense stress before it takes over, these techniques provide a fast, practical reset. Watch this video to learn how to reduce the intensity and reclaim your composure. |
Calm your worries and sleep better (Video)
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Why? Struggling to quiet your racing mind or get quality sleep after a busy, stimulating day on campus? |
What? This video provides clear, actionable strategies to help you calm your nervous system and prepare for a better night's rest. Whether you’re dealing with sensory overload, pre-exam anxiety, or general difficulty switching off, these techniques are broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. |
When? Whether you’re dealing with sensory overload, pre-exam anxiety, or general difficulty switching off, these techniques are broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. |
Grounding Exercise for a Racing Mind (Video)
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to quiet your thoughts? |
What? This video guided grounding exercise is your quick, accessible tool to help you hit the pause button on a racing mind. Use this practice whenever you need to anchor yourself in the present, lower your stress levels, and reclaim your focus to tackle your day with a clearer head. |
When? It’s perfect for those moments when academic pressure peaks-like right before a big exam or presentation, or when you're struggling to switch off after a busy day on campus. |
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Why? Feeling overwhelmed by a stressful moment? |
What? The IMPROVE technique video (Imagery, Meaning, Prayer/Positive thinking, One thing at a time, Vacation, Encouragement) is a toolkit to help you get through tough situations without making them worse. Whether you're stressed about a deadline, managing a conflict, or just feeling the pressure, this video shows you how to use these six simple steps to self-soothe and stay in the moment. |
When? It's a great tool to keep handy during high-pressure times like exam season or when juggling multiple assignments. |
Tools for Interpersonal Relationships and Communication
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Why? Feeling like you're running on empty and easily overwhelmed? |
What? The PLEASE skill video (Physical Illness, Eating, Avoid mood-altering substances, Sleep, and Exercise) is your toolkit for building a strong foundation for your mental health. By focusing on these core habits, you can reduce your vulnerability to negative emotions and boost your emotional resilience. |
When? Whether you’re trying to balance late-night study sessions with healthy habits, manage stress during exam season, or stay grounded while adjusting to university life, this video shows you how simple, consistent self-care can make a significant difference in how you feel and perform. It’s an essential guide to taking care of your body so it can support your mind. |
DEAR MAN - Skills to support communicating assertively (Video)
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Why? Struggling to stand up for yourself or set clear boundaries with others? |
What? The DEAR MAN skill video (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear Confident, and Negotiate) is a powerful, structured communication technique that helps you communicate effectively and assert your needs with confidence. |
When? Whether you’re trying to set boundaries with a difficult roommate, assert your fair share of work in a group project, or negotiate a deadline with a professor, this video gives you a clear framework to navigate these conversations calmly and effectively. |
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Why? Navigating friendships, group projects, or new social circles can sometimes be tricky. |
What? The G.I.V.E. skill video (Gentle, Interested, Validate, Easy Manner) is a simple, effective framework to help you connect better with others and maintain healthy relationships. |
When? Whether you’re trying to build rapport with a new study partner, navigate a disagreement with a friend, or simply want to communicate more compassionately in your daily interactions, this video provides practical tools to help you be present, empathetic, and respectful. |
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Why? Setting boundaries can be tough. |
What? The FAST skill video (be Fair, no Apologies, honour your Values, be Truthful) offers a practical, structured approach to communicating assertively while staying true to yourself. It’s an essential tool for maintaining healthy relationships and wellbeing throughout your university journey. |
When? Whether navigating group projects, friendships, or extra commitments, this video provides a clear framework to help you advocate for your own needs with confidence and self-respect. |
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Why? Disagreements are a natural part of university life, whether it’s a tricky group project or navigating life with new roommates. |
What? The THINK skill video This is a simple tool to help you manage conflict. By using this approach, you’ll learn how to pause and reflect on the situation, consider the other person's perspective, and approach the conversation with empathy, kindness and clarity. |
When? Watch this video learn a practical communication approach to help manage conflict. |
| Relationships |
Relationships (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Navigating friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics can be a complex part of university life. |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection offers a curated selection of eBooks and print titles designed to support your emotional health and relationship skills. You can find these resources in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? Whether you're working through a friendship disagreement, adjusting to living with new people, or just want to strengthen your connections, these resources provide reliable information and compassionate support. |
Intimate Relationships: A Guide to Common Issues and Concerns in Intimate Relationships (Booklet)
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Why? Navigating intimate relationships can be both exciting and challenging, especially when balancing them with the pressures of university life. |
What? This guide explores common relationship concerns, offering insights and practical perspectives to help you nurture healthy connections and navigate difficulties with care. It’s a valuable, private resource to turn to when you’re figuring out what you want from relationships, managing a disagreement with a partner, or looking for guidance on building strong, supportive foundations. |
When? Whether you’re dating, in a committed relationship, or reflecting on past experiences, this guide offers a thoughtful space to better understand your needs and communication style. |
| Therapy & Trauma |
Speak Out is an online anonymous reporting platform. It enables you, as a member of our DCU University community, to report incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, coercive behaviour/control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, hate crime, sexual assault and rape in a way that is safe and secure.
Coping and managing your reactions following a critical incident (Booklet)
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Why? A critical incident can be incredibly distressing and leave you feeling shaken. |
What? If you've experienced or witnessed something traumatic, this guide is here to provide gentle, practical support. It explores common reactions and offers evidence-based techniques to help you navigate your feelings and manage the impact of the event. |
When? Whether you need immediate support, are trying to make sense of your experiences, or simply want to learn how to move forward, this resource is a safe, private space to help you find your footing again. It’s a valuable tool to turn to whenever you need compassion and clarity during difficult times. |
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Why? Experiencing a personal crisis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. |
What? This guide helps you understand what a crisis looks like and offers practical steps on how to manage or intervene when things feel like too much. |
When? It’s a vital resource for recognising signs of distress - whether in yourself, a flatmate, or a friend - and provides guidance on how to step in or seek the right help during tough times on campus. |
Suicide Awareness/Prevention Guidelines (Booklet)
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Why? Suicide is a complex and sensitive issue, but knowing how to help can truly save a life |
What? This guide provides a clear, gentle, and compassionate overview of warning signs and practical steps you can take if you’re worried about yourself or a friend. It’s an essential, easy-to-read resource for everyone on campus - from student leaders to anyone who wants to be a supportive peer. Keep this guide handy - it's here whenever you need it. |
When? It’s a vital resource for anyone, including student leaders and peers, who want to be prepared to recognise warning signs or support someone in distress. Keep it accessible for those moments when you suspect a friend or colleague might be struggling and you want to know how to provide immediate, compassionate support. |
Therapy (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Interested in exploring different therapeutic approaches or just want to learn more about how therapy works? |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection offers a carefully curated selection of eBooks and print titles dedicated to understanding therapy, emotional processing, and personal growth. You can find these resources in the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? Whether you're curious about different types of therapy, looking for self-help resources, or simply want to better understand your own mental health journey, this collection provides reliable, accessible information. |
Trauma (Live Wise Book Therapy Collection)
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Why? Navigating the impact of trauma is a personal and significant journey, particularly while managing university life. |
What? The Live Wise Book Therapy Collection is here to help, offering a curated selection of books and eBooks focused on trauma recovery, healing, and personal growth. These resources are conveniently available at both the Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick's Campus) and the O'Reilly Library (DCU Glasnevin Campus). |
When? Whether you’re seeking knowledge to understand your own journey, looking for compassionate self-help strategies, or want to explore paths to resilience, this collection provides trusted guidance. Take your time to engage with these resources whenever you need a quiet, supportive space to prioritise your wellbeing. |