248. When Is It Depression? | Dr Susan Brannick, Aware
10 October 2026
About This Episode
What is the difference between feeling low and clinical depression? When does an inner critic become destructive? How do psychologists arrive at a diagnosis? And what does good mental health treatment actually look like?
Dr Susan Brannick is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director of Aware, Ireland's national charity supporting people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
In this conversation with Fender Jackson, Dr Brannick explores the ways depression can affect our thinking, emotions and everyday lives. She explains the difference between ordinary low mood and clinical depression, the role of rumination and self-criticism, and how activity can sometimes help us cope — or become a way of avoiding difficult feelings.
The discussion also examines the challenges of diagnosing bipolar disorder, particularly bipolar II, and whether artificial intelligence can play a meaningful role in mental health support. Susan discusses the importance of the therapeutic relationship, barriers to seeking help, and what effective psychological treatment looks like.
They also discuss suicide awareness, recognising changes in someone who may be struggling, and the importance of compassionate, direct conversations.
Recorded in Dublin during Jonathan Kemp's 4,200km Finding Peace of Mind Walk from the Shetland Islands to Galway, the conversation concludes with reflections on how sharing personal experiences can reduce stigma and encourage greater investment in mental health services.
This episode was published on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2026.
Aware is the national charity providing support, therapy, education and information to those affected by depression, bipolar and anxiety. They provide free accessible support to tens of thousands of people across Ireland each year.
Website: https://www.aware.ie/
Support Line: 1800 80 4848
Support Jonathan Kemp's walk
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Jonathansupporting4mentalhealthcharities
Dr Susan Brannick
Dr Susan Brannick is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director of Aware. Her clinical experience includes working within the NHS and general hospital settings, supporting people facing psychological difficulties associated with physical and mental health conditions.
At Aware, she contributes clinical expertise to an organisation providing support, therapy, education and information to people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety across Ireland.
Links
Watch or listen to the full conversation and share it with someone who may find it helpful.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit https://www.aware.ie/ or call Aware's Support Line on 1800 80 4848.
You can also support Jonathan Kemp's 4,200km Finding Peace of Mind Walk through his fundraising page.