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The International Council of Nurses advised that 80% of nurses have experienced mental health distress and worldwide, nurses are facing mass trauma*. This week, Norah talks to Johnny Moran from the Trauma Response Network Ireland and Davina Ramkissoon Wellness Director in Zevo Health about the differences between trauma, PTSD and burnout. Throughout the Pandemic, many front-line workers have been in survival mode. Now, as we adjust to our lives working with Covid-19, it’s time to acknowledge our own traumatic responses, listen to our bodies and seek support if you need it.

There is no doubt that the menopause has become a bit of a hot topic this year, with the rise of celebrity discussing their peri-menopausal symptoms. Still, it’s thought that nearly 80%* of women feel underprepared for this transition. This week Norah talks to former nurse Kathleen Kinsella of Kinsella Management Solutions and founder of the Menopause Hub, Loretta Dignam about the impact menopause has on the wellbeing and mental health of nurses and midwives. With 33%* of women experiencing episodes of anxiety, it’s time to talk about it and maybe even change the conversation. Let’s Wrap It Up: Each episode ends with a quick 5-minute wrap up session with mental health expert Bríd O’Meara; links to Bríd's support recommendations include:

In the episode our guests talk about starting a conversation on mental health using real lived experience of eating disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder. Norah is joined by disabilities nurse, Johnny Hunt and director of 50808 Text About It, Nicole Forster to look at how nurses and midwives can start the conversation with friends, family or with a support service. Now a See Change ambassador, Johnny hopes that by sharing his story he can help normalize conversations about mental health in the nursing and midwifery professions.

It's clear from project research* that nurses and midwives are great at looking after others, but not always themselves. In this episode, Norah is joined by Karen McGowan, Nurse & INMO President, Davina Ramkissoon – Wellness Director of Zevo Health and Ann Marie O’Reilly Intellectual Disabilities Nurse to create a clear picture as to why this is. Guests talk about self-care, self-compassion and if it is ok to ‘Just get on with it?’

In this episode, Norah Casey talks to nurse and mental health expert Bríd O’Meara and National Lead for the HSE’s Employee Assistance Program, Morgan Lucey, about the myths and stigma around seeking support experienced by nurses and midwives in Ireland. Our guests talk about the importance of confidentiality, how we can tackle stigma by talking about it and looking after our own mental health.

In this episode, Norah Casey talks to Applied Psychologist and Researcher Dr. Sharon Lambert, Senior Staff Nurse & INMO Executive member Ann Noonan and Clinical Nurse Researcher Toyosi Atoyebi about the wellbeing of nurses and midwives today. To get a clear understanding of the situation, our guests take a deep dive into Let’s Talk About It research findings* to uncover the stresses experienced in the profession both before and during the pandemic.

Let’s Talk About It Podcast Former Nurse and TV personality Norah Casey is on a mission to get nurses and midwives talking about their mental health. Each week, Norah has a real and honest conversation with nurses and midwives as well as leading mental health experts, charities and services, as they discuss and share challenges experienced in the professions today. You’ll hear truths, the highs and lows of the profession and get practical advice along the way. Join us! ‘Let’s Talk About It Podcast’ is bought to you by INMO and Cornmarket as a part of Let’s Talk About It, a mental health collective for INMO members.