Surge in calls to suicide prevention helpline

One of Ireland’s dedicated 24-hour suicide prevention helplines has received an almost 10% spike in calls from people worried that a family member is at risk of suicide.

Statistics released by 1Life reveal that 22% of all daily calls it receives to its helpline are made between 10pm and 1am and in 25% of these calls, loneliness and isolation are recorded as significant factors.

The number of distressed callers citing financial stress or debt issues increasing from 11% in 2010 to 17% in 2012.

1Life director Noel Smyth said: “Whilst Christmas is generally a time for families to come together and enjoy the season, it can be difficult for many people who may be in need of support.

“Additionally, others may find themselves in a position where they are hosting a relative who may give them some cause for concern, whether by appearing particularly low or by displaying unsettling behaviour such as severe anxiety which may be a sign of suicidal ideation.”

Remember 1life suicide helpline 1 800 24 7 100 is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis, feeling low or worried for yourself or a loved one.

— 3Ts (@3Ts_irl) December 13, 2012

Mr Smyth said the increase in calls served as a timely reminder to people that support is on hand for those in crisis throughout the Christmas period — a time when regular medical and psychiatric support services might be interrupted by the holiday.

* 1Life will operate day and night on 1800 247100, providing emotional support, therapeutic counselling and in the event of emergencies, crisis referrals and emergency intervention.

1Life also operates a text service — Text the word HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).

Where to find help

* Console 24-hour helpline: 1800 201890.

* Samaritans 24-hour helpline: 1850 609090 / Text: 087 2 609090 / Email: [e-mail]

* Pieta House Crisis Centre for prevention of self-harm and suicide: Free of charge counselling, and drop-in branches Dublin and Limerick. Helpline: 01 6010000.

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.pieta.ie

* Aware: Provides support to those affected by depression and related disorders. Helpline: 1850 303302 (10am-10pm Monday- Wednesday; 10am-1am Thursday).

Email: [e-mail] (9am-5pm).

* Cork Support Group: Contact Kate: 087 2993142.

* Irish Friends of the Suicide Bereaved: Helpline: 021 4316722. Email: [e-mail]

* Childline 24-hour helpline: 1800 666666. TeenText Service: Text ‘Talk’ to 50101. Website: www.Childline.ie