We all need to smile and laugh more – it makes everything better
In such a challenging world, smiling and laughter offer resilience and self-care
If the electorate demands better disability services, politicians will be forced to respond
An attitude of benign support is not enough for people with disabilities and their families
With immigration, there is a sort of hierarchy of belonging
This issue of belonging will not get easier in our lifetimes. We will need a level-headed response that is also humane
Abortion and mental health: Support from family, friends and health services is crucial
Research shows the best predictor of a woman’s mental health after an abortion is her mental health before it
Being set in your ways means the loss of so many new experiences
This phenomenon is showing up at ridiculously younger ages
Why we strive for happiness but then often ignore it when it arrives
It’s easy to lose awareness of the pleasures of day-to-day activities
If you have unshiftable regrets, just remember that we are all faulty
Accepting the discomfort of regret is an important life skill, with research suggesting older people are better at handling it
Why would anybody not want a report of historic abuse to be passed on?
Fear of triggering an investigation has often prevented people from talking about their experiences
When he named a brand of jacket associated with the criminal fraternity, I lost all sympathy for him
As my perceptions – based on the reputation of the city centre – took over, I was seeing threats everywhere
What is a living will and why should you have one?
If you do not make provisions, your family will not have authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf
The events may be far away, but the feelings of hopelessness and grief are with us
We need to appreciate the good things that are happening to us in our lives. We need to do it because otherwise the darkness wins
If you’re off the drink for January, bear these points in mind
‘Some moments are glorious. Other moments suck rocks. But this is worth doing. And you’ll soon see why’, says Belle Robertson
The stress of Christmas can be an obstacle or something enjoyable, depending on your mindset
Adopting a more positive attitude to stress can improve how you feel and make you more effective in doing what needs to be done
We think of immigrants in economic terms, but what’s happening for them emotionally?
It’s good to have a rounded understanding of people. The Irish should know this
Time with parents is a right of the child, not of the parents – just don’t go quoting a UN convention at Christmas
For parents who don’t live with their children, this is the time of year when they need to think about how Christmas can be celebrated