Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September 2021.
In 2019, one person died per day in Ireland by suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there are things that you can do.
If you are struggling...
- Speak to a friend or family member about how you are feeling as they may be able to help you.
- Distract yourself from how you are feeling; go for a walk, listen to music - do something that usually brings you joy.
- Try to avoid any possible triggers
- Keep away from alcohol and drugs
- Call a helpline service
If you think that someone you know may be struggling...
- Trust your instincts and strike up a conversation. Give them a call, text, meet up
- Let them know that you are there for them if and when they want to talk
- Ask them to do an activity with you that usually brings them joy
- Offer to go with them to get help
- Educate yourself on mental health through services like www.yourmentalhealth.ie
Some of the signs of a person having a tough time in terms of mental health:
- Isolating themselves or social withdrawal
- Extreme mood swings or change in behaviour
- Change in sleeping habits - sleeping too little or too much
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs
- Speaking about being a burden on others
- Reaching out to people to say goodbye
Some factors that can lead to increased thoughts about suicide:
- Is there a history?
- Was there a loss?
- Bullying and/ or violence
- Career/ Financial issues
- Isolation
- Serious illness
- Substance use
Some services that are available in Ireland:
- SAMARITANS - freephone 116123 (available 24/7)
- PIETA HOUSE - freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 (available 24/7)
- TEXT ABOUT IT - Text HELLO to 50808 (available 24/7)
- AWARE - freephone 1800 80 48 48 or email [email protected]
- IRISH HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT LINE - freephone 1800 80 70 77
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Cycle Against Suicide is calling on people to join its Bike 4 Life event to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
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Research shows that someone dies of suicide every 40 seconds, and the charity aims to cycle around the world today with funds raised will help their new Community Buddy initiative.
Bike 4 Life will take part virtually this year, instead of an organised event, which aims to help tackle the stigma and raise awareness of suicide.
