Mandy McDermott Psychotherapist

06/12/2025

🙏❤️🙏❤️

Christmas isn't about the perfect tree or the perfect gift. It's a light in the darkness—especially in seasons of financial stress or the deep ache of missing a loved one.

Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

It's about a family in a borrowed room. A child born in a stable. A story that starts in hardship and still offers hope.

This year, may the real gifts find you: peace when money is tight, memories when someone is missing, and love that asks for nothing in return.

If you're struggling this season in Northern Ireland, you're not alone. Here is help:

💸 Financial & Practical Support:

Advice NI: Free, independent advice on benefits, debt, and crisis support. Call 0800 915 4604 or visit adviceni.net.

Trussell Trust Foodbanks: Find your local food bank at trusselltrust.org/get-help.

Housing Rights: For housing crisis and homelessness prevention. Call 028 9024 5640 or visit housingrights.org.uk.

❤️🩹 Emotional Support & Bereavement:

Lifeline NI: 24/7 crisis counseling for anyone in distress. Call 0808 808 8000.

Cruse Bereavement Support NI: Specialized grief support. Call 0808 808 1677 or visit cruse.org.uk/northern-ireland.

Samaritans: 24/7, free listening service. Call 116 123 for free from any phone.

You are seen, and you are loved this Christmas season. 🙏🕯️❤️🎄

06/12/2025

Christmas isn't about the perfect tree or the perfect gift. It's a light in the darkness—especially in seasons of financial stress or the deep ache of missing a loved one.

Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

It's about a family in a borrowed room. A child born in a stable. A story that starts in hardship and still offers hope.

This year, may the real gifts find you: peace when money is tight, memories when someone is missing, and love that asks for nothing in return.

If you're struggling this season in Northern Ireland, you're not alone. Here is help:

💸 Financial & Practical Support:

Advice NI: Free, independent advice on benefits, debt, and crisis support. Call 0800 915 4604 or visit adviceni.net.

Trussell Trust Foodbanks: Find your local food bank at trusselltrust.org/get-help.

Housing Rights: For housing crisis and homelessness prevention. Call 028 9024 5640 or visit housingrights.org.uk.

❤️🩹 Emotional Support & Bereavement:

Lifeline NI: 24/7 crisis counseling for anyone in distress. Call 0808 808 8000.

Cruse Bereavement Support NI: Specialized grief support. Call 0808 808 1677 or visit cruse.org.uk/northern-ireland.

Samaritans: 24/7, free listening service. Call 116 123 for free from any phone.

You are seen, and you are loved this Christmas season. 🙏🕯️❤️🎄

05/12/2025

Do you ever feel overlooked?

Sometimes the loudest silence is the one between “how are you” and no one asking.

Silence isn't empty; it's full. Full of the unspoken answer waiting to be given, full of the hope for connection that went unnoticed, full of the echo of your own voice when you realise the question wasn't returned.

It speaks volumes about longing, about the spaces we occupy in each other's lives, and about the profound human need to be asked—because being asked means being remembered. It means someone is holding a door open for your truth to walk through.

14/11/2025

Don’t be fooled again! 🙏

Sign and share. Petition being debated on 8th December.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730194 🤡

We demand that the UK Government immediately commits to not introducing a digital ID cards. There are reports that this is being looked at.

07/11/2025

The Belfast Boys' Model School 🙏❤️

31/08/2025

Safeguarding training for pastoral leadership and volunteers at Rehoboth Church Belfast yesterday. 🙏

15/07/2025

This account has been hacked. Please report. Thank you! ❤️

21/05/2025

❤️The Belfast Boys' Model School

18/04/2025

Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, a pivotal event in Christianity.

It symbolises divine love, as Jesus willingly suffered to redeem humanity from sin.

Christians observe this day with prayer, fasting, and church services, reflecting on His sacrifice. The somber atmosphere underscores the gravity of His death, yet it also carries hope—

His suffering paves the way for resurrection and eternal life.

The cross, central to Good Friday, represents both suffering and salvation. It reminds believers of forgiveness, mercy, and God’s boundless grace. Though a day of mourning, it ultimately points to the triumph of love over death, preparing hearts for Easter’s joy.

“Father, thank You for healing, provision, and hope. May my life glorify You forever. I praise You, my Savior and King. Amen."

16/04/2025

Drug addiction is a growing crisis in Northern Ireland, damaging health, families, and communities.

The use of illegal drugs, prescription medication misuse, and alcohol dependency contribute to rising overdose deaths, mental health issues, and crime.

In 2022, Northern Ireland recorded its highest number of drug-related deaths, with opioids like he**in and synthetic drugs such as fentanyl posing severe risks.

Addiction strains healthcare services and increases homelessness, unemployment, and domestic violence.

Young people are particularly vulnerable, with cannabis and stimulant misuse affecting education and future prospects.

Criminal gangs exploit addiction, fueling violence and exploitation.

Efforts like addiction treatment programs, mental health support, and community education are vital.

Strengthening enforcement against drug trafficking while offering rehabilitation can help reduce harm.

Raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles are key to combating this devastating issue in Northern Ireland.

15/04/2025

A child’s mind is like a tender sapling—it thrives with warmth, patience, and care. Soft words, gentle guidance, and safe spaces help them grow with confidence. Anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm can dim their brightness, but love and understanding can reignite it.

Listen softly—sometimes their biggest worries come in whispers. Comfort softly—hugs and reassurance build resilience. Teach softly—kindness and patience help them learn.

Every child deserves a soft place to land when the world feels hard. By nurturing their hearts as gently as their bodies, we help them blossom into happy, healthy souls. 🙏

14/04/2025

Gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation, is not gender-exclusive—women can also gaslight others.

Whether in relationships, workplaces, or friendships, some women use gaslighting to control, undermine, or distort reality for their benefit.

Tactics may include denial, blame-shifting, or trivializing concerns, making victims doubt their perceptions.

Societal stereotypes often portray women as nurturing, which can make their gaslighting less recognisable. Recognising gaslighting behavior—regardless of gender—is crucial for maintaining mental well-being.

Addressing it involves setting boundaries, seeking support, and trusting one’s instincts. Everyone deserves relationships built on honesty and respect, free from manipulation.