Not all January anxiety is bad for you, mental health organisation says

Ellen O'Donoghue

Aware, the national mental health organisation, has said that not all January anxiety is bad for you.

Knowing the difference between good and bad days versus longer periods of depression and anxiety is key.

Aware's education programmes can play a role in helping people understand the differences, the organisation, which helps people and their families impacted by anxiety, depression, bipolar, and mood-related conditions, said.

It added that learning more about your mental health could be a good New Year's resolution.

After the busyness of Christmas, it can be normal to feel drained in energy, low, and feeling the anticlimax after the festive period, Dr Susan Brannick, clinical psychologist and clinical director with Aware, said.

"For some, January can feel like a challenging month, perhaps feeling low in mood or more anxious. But not all changes in mood or feeling anxious will indicate that there are deeper mental health problems, and some simple steps may help to feel better now, and build resilience beyond January, throughout 2026," Dr Brannick said.

"January can offer an opportunity to pay attention to your mental health, and finding out more about it can be a great resolution, it is a good time of year to start learning about your mental health.”

Aware has worked for over 40 years to inform, educate, and support people with depression, bipolar, and other mood-related conditions, offering a full framework of education courses as well as operating a support line from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week.

Education programmes are available both in-person and online, and are open and free to anyone aged 18 or over.

One of Aware's most popular programmes is the Aware Resilience Programme, a six-week course rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques.

The programme is run in a group setting, where participants learn how to manage daily stresses, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build coping strategies.

Sessions run for 90 minutes and are led by trained facilitators who know how to make the tools easy to understand and apply.

For those supporting someone with depression or bipolar disorder, the Family Support Programme focuses on looking after the supporter as much as the person they support.

Over four weeks, it offers practical ways to provide effective support while protecting your own mental health.

For people living with bipolar disorder, the Living Well with Bipolar Disorder programme is delivered over the course of eight weeks by an experienced mental health professional.

It is educational in nature, and the programme aims to provide people with opportunities to understand and manage bipolar disorder effectively, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to live well.

From its foundation 40 years ago, to today, volunteers have always been a huge part of what Aware is, forming an integral part of its services. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about joining Aware's team of 400 volunteers can visit www.aware.ie to find out more.

Aware's support line is contactable from 10am until 10pm seven days a week at 1800 80 48 48.