Counselling services 'under pressure'

HIGH rates of murder, suicide and road deaths in Irelamd are putting pressure on bereavement counselling services that have to cope with increased demand, an expert said.

Counsellor at the Bereavement Counselling Service (BCS), Monica Fitzgerald said there has been a massive increase in the number of people seeking professional bereavement counselling, particularly after a loved one has died.

"When the BCS started it would be unusual for someone to come in for counselling because a loved one had been murdered or committed suicide. Now we feel lucky if we don't hear of a murder happening every night.

"When someone dies suddenly, whether they are murdered, have died in a road accident or commit suicide, it is more difficult for survivors to deal with their death. As society's statistics change, so do ours," Ms Fitzgerald said.

The BCS, which is a voluntary organisation, was set up 21 years ago from one centre in Dublin. In its first year, it saw around 50 people.

Now it is operating out of six locations scattered throughout the greater Dublin area and helps an average of 3,600 people a year.

The fact that counselling is now more acceptable in society, coupled with the growing numbers of people dying suddenly, are the main reasons for the surge in the numbers of people seeking professional services to cope with their grief, she said.

"People are not as embarrassed by counselling as they were 20 years ago. It is more acceptable to go to counselling and the perception that you need to fall apart before you seek help is now thankfully gone," Ms Fitzgerald said.

She called on the Government to provide greater funding for bereavement counselling services around the country because it is increasingly seen as a preventative form of treatment.

"People who avail of counselling are less likely to visit their GPs, be put on tranquillisers or take stress leave from work," she said.

The BCS is hosting its third annual open day on 'Coping with Loss,' on Saturday May 17 in the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, Foster Place, Dublin 2, from 10am to 4pm.

Anyone interested in attending the Open Day are advised to contact 01 8391766, or [e-mail]. Information at www.bereavementireland.net.