The "Coping With...." Series

"Coping With ....." is a new series of booklets authored by Dr Hannah Farnsworth, a retired GP, which looks at a number of areas of mental health and explores the factors which cause them and how we can cope with them. Hannah writes with a very easy style and she explains difficult mental health issues with simplicity and compassion.

Our "Let's Talk About Mental Health" magazine combines a number of these booklets into a more general overview and can be viewed HERE


"Coping with Anxiety" is a guide written by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth, a retired GP. It addresses common mental health issues in teenagers, focusing on understanding, managing, and reducing anxiety. The guide offers insights into recognizing anxiety symptoms, both physical and emotional, and provides practical strategies such as talking to someone, writing down thoughts, practicing breathing exercises, and using mindfulness apps. It emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help and adopting healthy lifestyle choices to cope with anxiety effectively.


"Coping with Depression" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth, a retired GP, is an informative guide on managing depression in teenagers. The guide explores symptoms, causes, and coping mechanisms for depression. It emphasizes understanding depression's varied manifestations, recognizing its triggers, and addressing its impact on mood, behavior, and physical health. Practical advice includes maintaining social connections, staying active, adhering to routines, and seeking professional help when necessary. The guide underlines the importance of open communication, self-expression through journaling, and considering therapy or medication for more severe cases.


"Coping with Stress" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth is a comprehensive guide on managing stress, particularly aimed at teenagers. The guide delves into understanding stress, its symptoms, and causes. It provides practical strategies to manage and reduce stress, such as prioritizing sleep, staying active, practicing breathing exercises, and spending time outdoors. The importance of talking to someone, staying organized, and practicing affirmations are highlighted as effective methods to cope with stress. The guide encourages readers to maintain social connections and continue engaging in activities they enjoy for better stress management.


"Coping with Self-Harm" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth offers insight into the complex issue of self-harm, particularly in teenagers. The guide explores the reasons behind self-harm, its various forms, and the emotional and psychological factors involved. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathizing with those who self-harm. Practical advice includes seeking professional help, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and building a supportive network. The guide also addresses the role of friends and family in providing support and understanding, while encouraging open and non-judgmental communication.


"Coping with Suicidal Thoughts" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth is an insightful guide on managing suicidal ideation, focusing on teenagers. It highlights the importance of understanding what suicidal thoughts are, why they occur, and offers practical advice for coping. Key strategies include seeking professional help, engaging in open communication, and developing coping mechanisms. The guide also emphasizes the significance of support from friends, family, and mental health professionals in overcoming these challenging thoughts.


"Coping with Suicide Clusters" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth is a crucial resource addressing the phenomenon of multiple suicides occurring closely in time or location, especially among adolescents. The guide explores the impact of suicide clusters, factors contributing to their occurrence, and the influence of social media and news reporting in their propagation. It offers practical advice for individuals and communities to cope with and prevent these clusters, emphasizing the importance of open communication, mental health awareness, and seeking professional help. The guide is an essential tool for understanding and mitigating the effects of suicide clusters in society.


"Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth provides critical insights into identifying and responding to mental health crises, particularly in adolescents. The guide outlines various warning signs, such as severe mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal from social interactions, and self-harm thoughts. It emphasises the importance of recognizing these signs early and seeking professional help. The guide also offers practical advice for individuals and their support networks on how to manage these situations effectively and compassionately.


"What is Active Listening, and How Can It Help" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth is an insightful guide that focuses on the importance and techniques of active listening, particularly in sensitive or challenging conversations. The guide explores the concept of active listening, its benefits in various social and professional settings, and offers practical tips for improving this skill. It emphasizes the significance of being fully present and attentive, showing empathy, and avoiding judgments or distractions during conversations, making it a valuable resource for enhancing communication and relationships.


"Coping with Cyber Bullying" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth explores the challenges of cyberbullying, particularly among adolescents. The guide delves into the forms of cyberbullying and its effects, offering effective strategies for victims and their supporters. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to cyberbullying, advocating for open communication, supportive networks, and seeking professional assistance when needed. The guide serves as a crucial resource for understanding and addressing the complexities of cyberbullying in the digital age.


"Coping with Gaming Addiction" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth offers an in-depth look at gaming addiction, especially in adolescents. It discusses the addictive nature of gaming, identifying symptoms, and recognizing its impact on daily life. The guide suggests practical strategies for managing and preventing addiction, like setting gaming limits, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and seeking professional help. It's an essential resource for understanding and tackling gaming addiction's challenges.


"Coping with Social Media and Mental Health" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth addresses the complex relationship between social media use and mental health, focusing on its impact on adolescents. The guide explores how social media can become addictive, the associated mental health risks such as anxiety and depression, and provides strategies to mitigate its negative effects. Emphasizing the importance of balance, the guide suggests setting usage limits, encouraging digital detoxes, and fostering real-life social interactions to maintain a healthy relationship with social media.


"Coping With an Eating Disorder" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth delves into the complexities of eating disorders, focusing on their impact, particularly on adolescents. The guide discusses different types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID. It emphasizes the mental health aspects of these disorders, their causes, and their manifestations. Crucially, the guide offers advice on recognizing symptoms, the importance of seeking professional help, and strategies for coping and recovery. This resource is vital for understanding and addressing the challenges associated with eating disorders.


"Coping with Bereavement" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth provides an understanding of grief following the loss of a loved one. It explores the emotional journey of bereavement, covering common feelings like sadness, shock, anger, and guilt. The guide offers coping strategies such as talking about the loss, continuing daily activities, and seeking counselling or medical advice. Emphasizing the individual nature of grief, it provides support for managing challenging emotions and navigating life after loss.


"Coping with Debt" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth addresses the stress and mental health challenges associated with debt, particularly in the context of recent economic challenges. The guide offers practical advice on managing debt-related stress, such as talking to friends, family, or professionals, maintaining daily routines, and avoiding alcohol. It emphasizes the importance of facing financial issues head-on, learning to budget effectively, and seeking medical help if debt-related stress affects one's mental or physical health. The guide is a valuable resource for anyone struggling with the pressures of debt and its impact on wellbeing.


"Coping with Exam Stress" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth is a guide focusing on the pressures faced by adolescents during exam periods. It covers the causes of exam stress and offers strategies for managing and reducing its impact. The guide emphasizes the importance of balanced study habits, healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking support when needed. It serves as a valuable resource for students, parents, and educators in navigating the challenges of exam stress.


"Managing Your Anxiety Around the Conflict in Ukraine" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth is an insightful guide addressing the anxiety triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. It provides practical advice on how to manage such anxiety, including limiting news consumption, maintaining healthy routines, and seeking support. The guide underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact of global events on individual mental health.


"Mental Health in Rural Areas of Ireland" by Dr. Hannah Farnsworth discusses the unique challenges to mental health faced by individuals in rural Ireland. It highlights factors like isolation, limited access to healthcare and transportation, and the breakdown of traditional social values. The guide emphasizes the importance of recognizing these challenges and offers practical advice for managing feelings of isolation and improving mental health in these communities. It serves as a vital resource for understanding and addressing the mental health needs specific to rural settings.