Remembering others - The worst time of year for many

While Christmas is frequently the happiest time of the year, especially for people with young children, it can also be a very difficult time for some people for many different reasons.

Paul Kelly the director of 1Life, Ireland’s dedicated suicide prevention and intervention helpline, warns that Christmas and the New Year holidays can often be the worst time of the year for many people.

The season should be a joyous occasion to share and celebrate with loved ones, but it is important that we should be mindful of the difficulties that may be faced by others. In his Christmas message, President Michael D Higgins warned that rising unemployment, emigration and family bereavements tended to cast a dark shadow at this time of year.