Hannah Cahill, MSc Clinical Psychology Graduate, Newcastle University

Hannah completed her BSc in Psychology and MSc in Clinical Psychology at Newcastle University. Alongside this, Hannah completed a placement as a Clinical Research Assistant in a tertiary service working with individuals with complex and comorbid mood disorders and as a research assistant investigating the utility of vagus nerve stimulation in treating major depressive disorder. From these posts, research projects and voluntary helpline work, Hannah's particular interest and research experience centres around complex mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Our 60-second interview with Hannah:

Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?

As a Clinical Research Assistant, I worked with patients with severe mood disorders, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalised treatment plans. Additionally, I've contributed to a systematic review exploring vagus nerve stimulation as a potential treatment for treatment-resistant depression, synthesising existing research to explore its efficiency.

What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?

What I find most rewarding and inspiring about this work is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of individuals facing severe mood disorders. Additionally, writing self-help pages for mental health issues during the pandemic to help those struggling to access healthcare during unprecedented times was extremely rewarding. Furthermore, contributing to research into innovative treatments, such as vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression, is inspiring due to its potential to impact our understanding and treatment for mental health.

What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?

Addressing the emotional toll of witnessing individuals' struggles while maintaining professionalism can be challenging. Similarly, navigating resource limitations and accepting you can only do your best can be difficult. Despite these difficulties, overcoming these challenges makes the work meaningful and impactful.

What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?

I hope to contribute to improving our understanding of mental health, which will lead to enhanced treatment options. I aim to positively impact the lives of individuals facing significant mental health challenges.

Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?

Taking a few minutes daily to practice mindfulness often helps me feel calm and grounded, especially if my mind feels crowded. Additionally, gratitude journaling helps me to reflect on positive aspects of life, fostering a more optimistic mindset.