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STRESSED ***NEW***

Stressed - Professor Ian Robertson, neuroscientist Trinity College Dublin, and Jennifer O'Connell Image Name: Stressed - Professor Ian Robertson, neuroscientist Trinity College Dublin, and Jennifer O'Connell
Stressed - Jennifer O'Connell-1 Image Name: Stressed - Jennifer O'Connell-1
Stressed - Jennifer O'Connell Image Name: Stressed - Jennifer O'Connell
Stressed - Jennifer O'Connell 2 Image Name: Stressed - Jennifer O'Connell 2

Stressed, Episode 1 of 2, RTÉ One, Wednesday, May 23rd at 9.35pm

In the first of a two part series exploring the science of stress, we find out the results of the How are You Ireland? survey and meet a group of volunteers who are going to have their stress measured and tackled.

Stressed, Episode 2 of 2, RTÉ One, Thursday, May 24th at 10.15pm

The final part of the series looks at current scientific studies and interventions that have been devised, researched and developed in Ireland and our volunteers tackle their own stress.

Series Overview

Stressed is a two-part series on the science of stress to be broadcast over consecutive nights on RTÉ One in May 2018.  Presented by journalist Jennifer O’Connell, the series features a diverse cast of volunteers who all feel that stress is impacting negatively on their lives.

As part of the series, their stress levels are measured and they engage in a range of interventions.

Ger Renton from Galway is a carer for her eldest child Ethan, who has Hunter’s Syndrome. She says she gets easily stressed and would love to find a way to be less anxious especially when around the kids.  She wants to learn to live in the present.

Mature student, father of three and grandfather of two, John Farrell is studying Nursing in DCU. Trying to juggle study, family life and part time work is very stressful for him. Adding to his stress, is a two hour daily commute to college. If he could learn to manage his stress better and keep a lid on his frustration, he might be less exhausted all the time and find moments in the day to relax.

Teacher, Steffi Skeehan from Kilkenny has suffered from anxiety for as long as she can remember and says she hasn’t had a good night’s sleep for twenty years. She would love to stop worrying all the time. If only she could get a good night’s sleep….

A chef and restaurateur, Dubliner Conor Higgins‘ time is consumed by the running of his three businesses. Instead of doing what he loves best – being a chef – he finds himself constantly ‘fire fighting’. Conor wants to find a way to use his time more productively which he feels will allow him to be better organized and will reduce his stress.

Entrepreneur, Jonathan Hayes from Galway is passionate about his work but finds it hard to switch off. Work can often feed into his family time. He needs to find a way to unplug.

The series looks at current scientific studies and interventions that have been devised, researched and developed in Ireland.

During the series, findings from the recent How are you Ireland? survey of mood and wellbeing – developed by the Science Foundation Ireland Insight Centre for Data Analytics in UCD – will be revealed.

Stressed is a co-production between stop.watch.television and Firebrand Productions. The scientific advisor on the series is Professor Emeritus Ian Robertson, founding director of The Institute of Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin.

The series is co-funded by RTÉ & Science Foundation Ireland.