The MTU Wellbeing Podcast

• Healthy Campus- Fostering a Supportive University Environment

  Send us a textThis episode focuses on "A Healthy MTU" initiative, emphasizing its efforts to improve health and wellbeing for students and staff. The discussion includes strategies to address common challenges, such as financial stress and the importance of social connections in enhancing the university experience.Guests Bio:Dr Andrea BickerdikeAndrea is a Lecturer in Health & Wellbeing, and health researcher at MTU. Her research interests include health promotion, and the design/delivery of interventions that enhance population health. She has a particular interest in all approaches that aim to maximise the health and wellbeing of university students and staff. Having completed her PhD in campus health promotion, Andrea is Co-Director of ‘A Healthy MTU’ (MTU’s Healthy Campus Programme). Since 2023, she is also the MTU Director of an online MSc Programme in Health & Wellbeing (delivered jointly with UCC). Siobhan GriffinSiobhan is a lecturer on the Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences course on the Kerry campus. She lectures on a number of health studies topics including health and wellbeing & behaviour change interventions. She has a background in corporate health promotion and spent a number of years as a wellness specialist in Apple. Following this she gained an M.Ed from Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and began her journey in the community education sector, working with marginalised community groups and early school leavers. Siobhan is passionate about preventative healthcare, lifestyle medicine, as well as, diversity and inclusion.Conversation highlights include:• Discussing the goals of "A Healthy MTU" initiative  • Understanding the challenges students face during their transition to higher education  • Discussing actionable strategies to enhance sleep and lifestyle habits  • Recognizing staff wellbeing in the academic environment  • The vision for integrated health and wellbeing in MTU's curriculum  • Upcoming events and opportunities for engagement in health initiativesLinks:https://hea.ie/policy/health-and-wellbeing-landing-page/healthy-campus-landing-page/https://www.healthpromotingcampuses.org/okanagan-charterEmail: [email protected] Healthy MTU (@ahealthymtu) • Instagram photos and videosA Healthy MTU: About | LinkedIn

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• Gambling Awareness

  Send us a textKey Discussion Points and Time Stamps: 1. 20  - Introductions, Niall McNamee and Michael Guerin 4.00    -  What is Problem Gambling, what are the challenges of gambling5.20     - People get addicted to the ritual of speculating money7. 45      - Niall tells his story from gambling a few bets to losing up to €250,00018.45   - Niall talks about his low self esteem, negative self talk and how he couldn't see a way out when in the mod21.40   - Niall talks about the arrogance of winning, how to guard against showing     off and how unattractive trait this is24.30  - Michael talks about responsible gambling, the increase in young people gambling online and some of the signs and symptoms to look out for.29.00 -  Michael reminds us that problematic gamblers are in closer proximity to us then we realise 30. 35  - Michael makes the clear distinction  between problem gambling and responsible gambling with the question; Am I using gambling as a distraction or a method to absolve myself from contemplating things that might be bothering me?32.50 -  Michael talks about the transitioning time for students is such a challenging time with increased stress35.00  - Niall reminds students how he gambling helped him switch off from the world and forget the problems to take time to be aware of your thoughts  40.00 - Niall reinforces the message that  when you are problem gambling you need to get help and talks about going to the Rutland Centre in Dublin for help 44 .10  Niall talks about the importance of going to meetings and surrounding yourself with good people  46.05- Michael talks about how we need to foster a culture where it is acceptable to come forward provide opportunities for individuals to do so48 .30  Students Questions Answered- Niall and Michael answer students questions and give some very good advice for a friend who might be concerned about someone else1. hr 2 min - Michael finishes off the podcast by highlighting the importance of problem gamblers finding answers  through dialogue and telling them not to be afraid to come forward1 hour 3 mins 30  Niall finishes by sharing the magical feelings of opening up and getting help while encouraging students to get help also Links and Supportshttps://gamblingcare.ie/National Helpline No. 1800 936 725Student Counselling Cork Campus:https://www.mycit.ie/counselling Student Counselling Kerry Campus: https://www.ittralee.ie/en/InformationFor/CurrentStudents/StudentLife/StudentSupportServices/StudentCounsellor/ Part Time Course for Counselors, Health Care and Social Care Staff which is a  collaborative development between Munster Technological University and Cuan Mhuire/Galilee House of Studies. https://www.mtu.ie/courses/tlhgamau/ FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: mtu_wellbeinghub

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• Student Engagement_Just Ask

  Send us a textTime Stamps                                                                                            Introduction to the Student Engagement Office      | 02:20  | 5 key services that the AnSEO Student Engagement Office have to offer                                                                                                                             What you have to look forward to in MTU    | 13:20  | Staff support and Engaging in all aspects of university life    | 15:45  | the sense of community, engaging with clubs and societies    | 18:55  |  You deserve your place, its a fresh Start, it will take time to  settle in, Ask for  help                                                                 Managing  your wellbeing as a student   | 24:15  |  balance,  plan my weeks, going to the gym in the MTU Arena      | 26:48| Take 20, helps me switch off and have have a pair fresh eyes                                          Sunday for me is the rest day                                                                Overcoming Challenges as a student  | 29:49  |  "its always hard at the beginning and gets better with time"| 33:01  |  Finding friends and time management, meal prep- do shopping - "Whiteboard Wisdom"                                                             Guests Golden Nugget   | 37:51  | Get out of your comfort zone   | 39;14  | Golden Nugget-enjoy your time, ask for help    | 42:30 | Golden Nugget - get the edge award, get to know the staff Email:     [email protected]                                                            Useful Links: AnSEO Student Engagement Office- https://linktr.ee/mtuanseo The MTU Wellbeing Hub- Instagram         mtu_wellbeinghubStudents Union:                                     https://linktr.ee/mtucsu Student Counseling:                         https://www.mycit.ie/counselling 

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• Jack Cooney_Putting the Person First

  Send us a textIn this episode I talk to Jack Cooney, Player Development Lead with the GAA.Jack has played, coached and managed at elite level in the GAA. He also has a Sport and Exercise Science degree and Masters in Sports Performance from University of Limerick. He is currently doing his Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance in Dublin City University.On this episode Jack shares his insights and experiences in how he supports young athletes in sport. His positive attitude towards sport, young people and how he looks at things from their perspective is refreshing to hear. He talks about his belief in creating a fun and challenging environment where players are "leaders and/or learners". His passion and enthusiasm for sport is evident throughout this conversation.  If you play sport or coach at any level this podcast is worth 40 minutes of your time.Time stamps:5:00 – Jack developed interest in coaching and completed a part-time sports science degree and full-time Masters at UL6:50 – Importance of things other than ‘winning’ in sport, how sport helps with personal evolution and self-reflection12:15 – There will be tough times during sport, don’t forget the reason why you started playing sport14:00 – Important to find a balance for young people between college and sport 14:35 – Have honest conversations with Coach about stress levels, balancing time, etc. 22:10 – Coaches have a strong impact on athletes 24: 50 – Characteristics for athlete: willingness to learn, leader or learner, physical and psychological resilience, effort, look for small steps  31:15 – Importance of having a plan and purpose in order to work towards something

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• "HSE-Your Mental Health" with Clinical Psychologist Mark Smyth

  Send us a textOn today's episode I am joined by clinical psychologist Mark Smyth.  We talk about the new mental health initiative from the HSE. We also discuss the challenges that you, the students are facing on a daily basis and Mark provides some practical suggestions as to how to look after yourself. We discuss areas including; talking about your challenges, social anxiety, focusing your attention, getting the right balance and getting the support when you need it. We also have a  conversation on sports performers and wellbeing where Mark shares some thoughts from his work with Rugby Players Ireland. I loved having this conversation with Mark and I hope you enjoy it too.You get Mark on Twitter:  @psychpolis  and he is definitely worth a follow.Time Stamps4:30 | Description of the HSE campaign designed around your mental health4:50 | Information about the key aspects of mental health: ongoing stress, low mood, anxiety and sleep patterns6:00 | How important is your sleep?- recharging the batteries9:50 | What are what-if thoughts? What do they mean?15:05 | Being afraid to speak about emotions with others, thinking it is a burden on other people- have a conversation with someone 19:05 | Self-reflection/Addressing issues e.g., how did my anxiety feel last semester?20:00 | Your Health Balance Sheet-what are you putting in and what are you taking out?21:40 | How do you goal-set realistically?22:30|  Put something in your diary that you enjoy doing27:55:00 | What are you thinking about when you are anxious Vs What are other people thinking about?32:15:00 | Am I paying attention to too many things at once? 33:55| Be fair to yourself35:20| Sports People (Rugby Players) and Wellbeing38:31|  Scholar Athletes and Wellbeing- sometimes good is good enough41:20| Seek more support when you need toLinks:HSE Website:               www.yourmentalhealth.ie  Cork Campus Student Counseling:        http://www.mycit.ie/counselling Email Cork :   [email protected]  Phone:  021 4335772 / 087 7688657 Kerry CampusEmail Kerry:                   [email protected]  Phone:                               066 7191688/7191722 GeneralText 50808  Crisis Helpline https://text50808.ie/ Speak Out in MTU         http://www.mycit.ie/counselling/speak-out Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mtu_wellbeinghub/ 

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