Laughter is indeed the best medicine :)

Recession, budget cuts, job losses and illness were pushed back into the far recesses of our brains last Saturday night as once again, the Facebook Family headed out for a night on the tiles. We had had one night out previously last September which was such a success that another Autie Mom Andra, decided to take the reigns and plan a Christmas party to remember. And remember it we will!













A group of us headed out to the Laughter Lounge on the quays in Dublin for one of their party nights. We had come from all ends of the country, from Sligo, Donegal, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Monaghan and so on... We were promised laughs and they didn't fail to deliver... Two comedians with sharp wit and the gift of the gab entertained us til we laughed our cotton socks off. At one stage, I feared that I couldn't breathe with the guffaws that were bellowing out past my lips! We sipped cocktails, amongst various other liquid delights that helped us to shed our inhibitions and dance the night away after the show had finished. Regardless of age or gender, our fabulous facebook friends boogied away with jaws sore from laughter and a smile on our faces as we put all other worries aside for the night that was in it. Laughter is indeed a wonderful medicine...



With all that we deal with on a day to day basis, the challenges we face when fighting for services for our children, the endless calls and paperwork we must fill out, it is quite easy to become overwhelmed and slip into depression as we forget to take care of our own mental health. That is why having an online community of friends is so important to help lift us up when we feel down, and to offer support when we need it. Meeting up for coffee occasionally and a night out every so often helps to cement those relationships that have developed. Laughing a night away with people that you have grown to respect and consider true friends is the ultimate therapy session! There are times however, where professional councillors can be the best option, if life has become so complicated and dragged you down so far that you feel there are things you can't talk about openly. Sometimes you need the anonymity of a stranger who is qualified and discreet enough to help you sort through your problems. This is where Solas comes in. I have copied and am pasting a section from the IAA blog regarding this...

From The Solas Centre: Parent Counselling Available

Just wanted to make you aware that we now have additional counsellors providing the service at Solas, with availability during weekday evenings. Katie and Paula have joined us this month and I'd like to welcome them aboard.

If you, or someone close to you, would like to avail of counselling/personal therapy service you are welcome to do so.

Just drop a note to counselling@autismireland.ie and we'll put you in touch.
All the best, Yvonne and The Solas Team