Thomas Wilson examines the anti-depressant qualities of the herb Hypericum, better known as St John’s wort…   DEPRESSION is a major scourge in this country. Thousands of people suffer from the old ‘black dog’ and, if the economy continues to slide, more people could be added to the swelling numbers. Studies have shown that as austerity measures get more austere, our moods are affected in equal measure. No surprise, this. There are many forms of treatment for depression, all with varying degrees of success. The mainstay are the anti-depressants which, while effective, can come with a considerable amount of side-effects.

Bernadette Bohan’s new book, The Survivor’s Mindset, contains a message that should be read by everyone. Rory Hafford leafs through this important piece of work…   THERE is a strength about Bernadette Bohan. I met her recently to do a recorded interview (it is on this site) and was quite taken aback by her focus.   I’ve known Bernadette for some time, but only from a distance. I knew that she had been through the mill with cancer. I knew that she had written some books. And I knew that she gave talks on nutrition and health.   But, what I did not expect, was the sheer determination of the woman as she sat in front of me and told me what she had to do to get her health and her life back. But there was something else. Something special in the way she took charge. Something different about the way she saw things.   So, I suppose it shouldn’t come as any surprise that the title of her new book is ‘The Survivor’s Mindset’. Because, when heavyweight ailments come a-calling, you are going to need all your powers behind you and all your wits about you. And what better than a strong, positive, focused outlook?

Thomas Wilson recalls a retreat to a mindfulness centre and heralds the arrival to Ireland of Zen Master Thick Nhat Hanh…   I TURNED to the woman next to me. Her face was a portrait of hurt. Her lank brown hair, which was greying at the sides, framed her sunken features. Dark eyes looked out at me. She looked as though she had been through Hell. She looked as though she still had a way to go.   “So,” I said, trying hard to break the ice, wondering if it was the right thing to do, afraid at what I might get back, “what brings you here?”   She looked back at me, working hard to maintain eye contact.   “My name is Carol. And…I had my heart broken,” she said and a sob caught in her throat.

In the second instalment of ‘What Really Happens in Our Healthcare System’ Rory Hafford laments the lack of communication and empathy while waiting 13 hours to be seen by a doctor.

Sam Hafford warns the country to brace itself against deadly flu outbreak.   IRELAND is in the grip of a potentially deadly flu outbreak.   The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is urging people in high-risk groups, such as young children, pregnant women and the elderly, to get vaccinated against the virus as soon as possible.