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Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, has published three tips on dealing with anxiety on Paddy’s Day. The charity stated that many people might feel higher levels of anxiety, being around busy crowds again, and when watching the parade. The charity also stated that it might be some people’s first time to be around a large number of people consuming alcohol since the lockdown eased.

The first tip is to avoid consuming high levels of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant. It can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression, and it can heighten stress levels.

The second tip is to go home early if you’re feeling a little nervous being in large crowds again. Loud music, alcohol and rowdy crowds can be very intimidating, particularly if you have sociophobia.

The third tip is to practice deep breathing, yoga, or meditation before you join in the celebrations, if you feel anxiety levels bubbling up. These measures can help you reduce and manage levels of anxiety and can help keep them under control throughout the day.

Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults in Ireland and unlimited support groups on anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues, to anyone in Ireland over the age of 12. All these services are available on Turn2Me.ie