Rural stress helpline sees a doubling in calls

THE number of calls to the Farm and Rural Stress Helpline in Cork and Kerry has doubled in the first six months of this year compared to last year, according to experts.

HSE South members were told of “a huge change in the profile of people who are calling the rural helpline” since the downturn began over two years.

Suicide Resource Officer in Cork and Kerry, Brenda Crowley said that many of those calling the helpline are people who admit that they never experienced such high stress levels before.

“Very many of our callers are people who have lost the second job that ensured that they could continue farming as many of those second jobs were in construction.

“Many speak of inability to pay their mortgages and other debts and are feeling helpless. They are wondering ‘What can we do? What hope is there for me in this environment?’ ” she said.

The Farm and Rural Stress Helpline works closely with the Irish Farmers Association, Money and Budgeting Services (MABS) and Teagasc to help people out of such difficulties.

Ms Crowley, who implements the National Suicide Strategy at local level, gave a talk to the HSE South Forum last week on her work in Cork and Kerry.

She works in the two counties educating communities on the importance of positive mental health.

Ireland has a suicide rate of 10.6 suicides per 100,000 of population – a low rate in comparison to the rest of the EU. However, we have one of the highest suicide rates amongst young men, aged 15-24. Amongst this age group, Ireland has the fourth highest suicide rate in the EU and lags just behind Lithuania, Finland and Estonia at the top of the table, with 13.4 suicides per 100,000 population.

“Many communities in Cork and Kerry are, sadly, touched by the issue of suicide. This often leads to people becoming proactive in looking at the problem in their community,” she said.

Her office provides skills training on suicide ‘first aid’, mental health promotion and the importance of seeking help.

The HSE South also has a suicide bereavement support service in place. This free service is for family members, friends, sports club members and neighbours affected by a suicide.

* A 1800 742 745 freephone helpline is open daily from 6pm-10pm for people who are feeling suicidal or for concerned family members The Farm and Rural Stress Helpline can also be contacted at 1800 742 645. It operates from 6pm-10pm daily.