Psychologist at Lough Rynn Castle shares simple tips to prevent suicide

At a packed evening in Lough Rynn Castle on Wednesday, September 10th, chartered psychologist and Moodwatchers author Shane Martin delivered a grounded, hopeful message on building everyday resilience—stressing that culture, community and small consistent actions matter most.

“It’s embedded within the community. It’s a culture that we cultivate in our homes, in our schools, in our communities. And you can work on it,” he told the audience. “It’s never too late to turn a corner. It’s never too late to embrace a better quality of life. You’re not a puppet on a string. You’re not fulfilling some kind of prophecy set in stone. It’s not all genetically predetermined. You’ve a much bigger say than you know.”

Martin warned against leaving the lessons in the room. “Very simple things make a huge difference in a world that has become far too complicated. But there is a snag: you have to do them. It’s no good walking out here and saying, ah, he makes a lot of sense. That’s just a talk you went to. It’s when you decide to do these things.”

He reminded people that resilience doesn’t mean becoming “hard as nails or as cold as ice.” Instead, it is about everyday strategies and choices. “Simple strategies lie at the heart of resilience,” he said. “We underestimate our potential to cope, folks. We really, really do. There’s no better option than coping.”

Sharing insights from his years in teaching and counselling, Martin outlined how becoming emotionally aware can prevent rash decisions and how reaching out to others can create a natural antidepressant effect. “When you reach out and help other people, you secrete your own natural antidepressants. Kindness is its own reward,” he said.

Optimism, he added, is a trait that can be cultivated. “Resilient people tend to be optimistic. Science cracks it in the end. Don’t be worrying. You can work on it.” He encouraged people to ask themselves what went well at the end of the day, and to keep company with those who naturally see hope in difficult circumstances.

Equally important, he said, is the power of social connection. “The single greatest friend of depression is solitude. People need people.” He recalled how families once gathered around the dinner table, sharing the small stories of daily life, and urged people to reclaim those habits in a world where screens have replaced conversations.

Martin also spoke about the value of flow—immersing oneself in hobbies or pursuits that make time disappear—and the grounding role of prayer or spirituality, whatever form that may take. “It’s harder to feel terrified when you believe you’re being looked after,” he said. “Mindfulness, silence, faith—these are deeply significant.”

Throughout the evening, he returned again and again to the idea of choice. “How annoyed do you want to be, and for how long?” he asked. “Sometimes you have to do the things you don’t feel like doing in the hope you’ll feel the benefits down the line. Nothing comes easy, and coping’s not easy.”

He ended with a challenge and a blessing. “Do the homework. There are people who do none of it and wonder why it’s not working. My wish for you is that you do the things that make the difference. I wish you health, happiness, bucket loads of resilience—and may the coming months be the least stressful you’ve had in a long time.”

The event, marking World Suicide Prevention Day, was supported by Leitrim & West Cavan Social Prescribing, Connecting for Life Sligo & Leitrim, and Breffni Community Development CLG, with local support stands and refreshments for attendees.

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