About the Tutor: Nollaig O Sullivan Sport and exercise phycologist.

Nollaig O Sullivan is one of only 23 Accredited Sport and Exercise Psychologist in Ireland. Nollaig has a range of educational expertise with completion of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Limerick. Following on from this Nollaig has completed two masters - Msc in Psychology of Performance in Sport and Health from Queens University Belfast and Msc in Sport and Exercise Psychology from University of Ulster. Nollaig has worked with a range of athletes, from amateur to professional, covering a range of sporting backgrounds, rugby, football, GAA, horse racing, Irish dancing, handball, endurance athletes to name a few.

Topic Focus

From research it is evident that mental health difficulties can lie within sporting athletes, with anxiety and depression at the forefront. Athletes link in with sporting management and backroom team to help support them, however the information on how to help and support these athletes might not be there. This tailor made 2.5-hour workshop was created from Nollaig’s 15 years of knowledge and experience in the field of psychology. It will provide attendees with in-depth knowledge on the signs and symptoms of specific mental health illnesses such as anxiety and depression and information on relevant types of treatments. The first step is having the conversation but sometimes we might find that difficult, this talk will provide a communication framework to help start the conversation on mental health. Most importantly this talk will highlight where to signpost and facilitate appropriate help seeking from mental health professionals. This workshop will provide several tools and techniques for Coaches and staff to support their own mental health also. This webinar is an important empowerment tool, as it helps people to better understand mental health and enables them to act upon this information and it also very importantly enhances help-seeking tools that can be a key stepping stone to helping our athletes.