People are being encouraged to reach out and ask for support as the world marks Suicide Prevention Day.
Stigma and shame are still the biggest barrier for people seeking help for mental health difficulties, according to health officials.
“It’s fair to say that Irish society in the last five years has taken two steps forward and one step back when it comes to mental health, and particularly stigma in mental health,” said CEO of St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services Paul Gilligan.
“So we’re seeing lots of celebrities declaring their own mental health problems [and] there’s a lot more awareness of mental health in schools, which is really positive.”
Those in need of help are being advised to visit their GP, or to contact The Samaritans’ free-phone 24-hour helpline on 116 123.
Waterford and South East Samaritans are currently recruiting for volunteers and are holding an information meeting in their Beau Street Centre in Waterford this morning.
Shelley Gray is a young volunteer with the branch, she told Beat News that while it can be difficult, it’s very rewarding, ” We can only take volunteers who are over 18 so I had to wait a while. I kind of forgot about it and went off to college and got busy working. Then I saw an ad in the paper about two and half years ago. I went along for the information day and started the training.
Really I just want to be there to listen, for people who are going through distress or despair. The training is absolutely brilliant, the support that you receive in the branch is great and really allows you tobe able to commit to it.”
Also in Waterford this week a campaign promoting positive mental health was launched #LittleThings, you can read more about it here:
Tags: prevention, Samaritans, suicide
