We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
PIETA HOUSE IS predicting a sharp increase in calls and texts to its helpline service over December and January as people struggle with pressures brought on by the Christmas period.
The suicide prevention charity says that average calls to its helpline rose by 45% this year with an average of 257 calls and 589 texts received each week.
Christmastime can be difficult for people suffering from bereavement, loneliness, mental health and financial difficulties, the charity said.
These pressures can be elevated by social expectations and obligations around the Christmas period.
“It’s important acknowledge how you feel physically, mentally or emotionally this Christmas and equally, do not be alone,” said Pieta House CEO Elaine Austin.
It’s important to go gently and be kind to yourself, to not be frightened by your thoughts, to remind yourself that feelings pass and to reach out to others to get care and support.
Austin said the demand for Pieta’s 24-hour free helpline is at its highest during December “because the reality is that Christmas can be a lonely and isolating time of year.”
The charity is calling on the public to keep a closer eye on friends and family this year.
The signs of suicide to watch out for are:
Said Austin: “The financial and social angst people experience to have the ‘perfect’ Christmas intensifies which is sometimes due to social media and the online community.
The intensity of the Christmas season can also amplify feelings of hopelessness and despair, she said, adding that the pressure of Christmas can be detrimental to people’s mental health.
If you need to talk, contact:
Pieta House 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie
Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Aware 1800 80 48 48
Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Wonderful charity that has saved countless lives. Be nice to people as mental illness is not visible
@Dan2078: Being human with emotions is not a mental illness.
@Madison Underwood: No, but when those emotions get too extreme, or you struggle with them, that *is* mental illness.
I’m 2 years resisting the urge daily to kill myself. I’m longer battling depression. My mental illness isn’t severe, but it’s always there.
Watch out for a change in behaviour and just ask “how are you?” Look out for and after those around you folks.
Please genuinely ask “how are you feeling” and listen. Don’t turn the conversation back to yourself. People who have these feelings already feel worthless without having it compounded by someone not really listening to them. It may be your ONLY opportunity to help them. Not everyone has great families or friends or significant others to share Christmas with. It is a lonely, dark, hopeless time for many people. Life is not wonderful for everybody. Be aware.
Anyone in this sad predicament, please reach out to the services available or to friends and family. These thoughts are not unique to just you and can be worked through.
Many parents that are alienated from their children by the person having care of the child, will again, as in the past, just give up.
Many lives can be saved by the Gardai, by just accepting information on the offence of “breaching of access orders” as outlined in section 5 of the Courts (No. 2) Act, 1986,
“Enforcement of certain orders under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964.”
Many Garda stations still say “go see your solicitor” while the High Court ruled that offences in such cases can be investigated and prosecuted.
have your say