We wrap up the conversation surrounding mental health this month by talking to wellness and fitness guru, @caoileannconway. Through her fitness channel, Caoileann motivates her followers to keep their bodies and minds fit. She particularly makes reference to her ACL injury, and inspires hope in others to overcome the challenges that face you in day-to-day life. Talking to TikTok, Caoileann opened up about her own struggles with her mental health, and the power of self care in overcoming them.

Q: What first inspired you to talk about mental health on TikTok?

Having gone through a difficult time with my own mental health, from depression, anxiety to panic attacks, (which if you know me now seems wild), I randomly got this urge to post about ways to help with anxiety one day and it all took off from there! I had tried multiple routes, I distinctly recall my main journaling affirmation used to be ‘I am so thankful and grateful now that i have a quiet and peaceful mind’ as that was the one thing I longed for - to know what it felt like not to overthink, panic or catastrophize every situation & I felt maybe it would resonate with someone.

Since university, studying dietetics, I have always wanted to start my own nutrition page. Having gone through what I did with my own mental health, it is a blessing now that I can amalgamate nutrition, mental health and movement to help people with a deeper understanding of what they're going through, so that makes it all worth it.


@caoileannconway Creamy sweet chilli chicken creme fraiche🔪 This to this date is one of my favourite high protein meals at just over 600 cal and over 60g of protein!😮‍💨 Save this one for your next dinner! What you need: 150g fresh egg tagliatelle (this is the cooked weight) 1 chicken fillet (I used 176g) 130g broccoli 100g light Philadelphia (can use lighter for less cals) 50g sweet chilli Seasonings: aromat, pepper, paprika, honey, soy sauce, Italian herb, fry lite What to do: 1. Add chicken to the pan with all your seasonings and fry lite and cook until white the whole way through 2. Whilst this is cooking, chop and add your broccoli to salted boiling water 3. Add tagliatelle to the saucepan with salted boiled water (this only takes 3 mins so do when chicken is cooked!) 4. Add your sauce to the pan with the chicken and then your pasta sauce with a little pasta water if you find it very creamy to bring it down to desired sauce thickness 5. Plate up and enjoy! #highproteinmeals #mealprep #mealideas #mealinspo ♬ original sound - Cáoileánn Conway

Q: How do you approach destigmatizing mental health issues in your content and conversations?

I’m a huge advocate for communication. A problem shared is a problem halved so even me talking about a certain topic that might resonate with someone, hopefully that will give them clarity that they aren’t alone in what they’re going through and encourage more open communication and conversation with their friends, family or even give them the courage to reach out for help.


@caoileannconway doing more of what makes us happy even the small things 🤍 #grwm #fyp #smallthings #happiness ♬ Matilda Djerf Quote - Lollo

Q: What other Irish creators do you think inspire positivity on TikTok?

I think positivity doesn’t just come from one area. I believe there’s positivity to be found in those talking about certain things from mental health, to training, to even those who post just content that gives you a laugh as well!

Some of my favourite creators for just giving me a giggle are @emmakearney32, @daniellecollins67 and the @bombsquadpod. I know they aren’t focused on mental health, however I think one of the best ways to feel better is from laughing and letting go of problems that seem so huge in the moment and give yourself a break from the heaviness that can come with mental health concerns.


Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why? (please link the video)

Oh gosh this is difficult!! This one is from a few months ago & the reason I love it is because when things feel like they’re going wrong & you don’t know what to do and your heart rate starts to increase and you feel that panic, that actually taking a second, realising is there really anything I can do about this right now? Can I take a moment to not worry and just relax? The solution will come and that you are safe right in this moment. I love it too because you can watch it at any point of the day or your life and it applies.


Q: What role do you believe self-care plays in maintaining good mental health, and how do you incorporate it into your daily life?

Self care takes on a different role depending on who you’re discussing it with as some people probably see self care as a face mask or a bubble bath.

However, I believe self care is a little more about knowing yourself, so you know how to care for yourself. I know that seems a little back to front but essentially what I mean is a lot of us can be consumed by what others think of us, and so we take on the role we believe other people want us to play and lack a sense of self and therefore we don’t really take the time to figure out or know what it is we need to nurture our sense of self.

That’s why I believe self care is anything that helps you get to know yourself better and figure out truly who you are. Whether that’s pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to grow into who you really want to be, be it going for a job you really want but are too scared to do, going back to study what you really want to study, reaching out to a counsellor to get help with your mental health, getting yourself into the gym or contacting a dietitian to help you with your diet so you can feel energised and start building the healthy habits of the person you really want to be!


@caoileannconway lets do a work day together #spendthedaywithme ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) - CKay