It can be difficult when someone we know is experiencing a mental health challenge.  People who are unwell, sometimes express a wish to be alone and thoughts of taking their own life or self-harm can be experienced.

As a family member, carer or supporter it is important to be able to support a person who finds themselves with thoughts/ feelings like these. Be aware these thoughts/ feelings do pass and are temporary.  It is important to have the right information, especially when it’s needed most and make those vital first steps in the recovery journey to a more meaningful life.

This short video is an example of what people can do to help themselves and the five principles mentioned in it support recovery.

In society, suicide is stigmatised and mourned at the same time and breaking the stigma by reaching out for support can be possible when people are empowered to act and have some understanding of suicide.

See Change is dedicated to ending mental health stigma in Ireland and they can be contacted by phone on 01 541 3715 or by Email: [email protected]

This leaflet has helpful information for anyone who has concerns about suicide.

The National Strategy to reduce suicide provides a variety of standardised training programmes which can help families identify and respond appropriately to their loved one who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm.

The booklet Would you know what to do if someone told you they were thinking of suicide? was produced by family members and health care professionals in 2020 to support people experiencing suicidal thoughts. The booklet by HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention can be accessed here.

You can find lots more supports from the following:

Pieta provides professional advice free of charge for people having experiences of suicidal thoughts/crisis or self-harm.  Pieta is geographically spread all over the Republic of Ireland and they provide outreach supports at various locations.  This service is available Tuesday’s and Thursday’s in Ballina County Mayo. For more information contact:  Pieta Tuam at 093 25586 or Freephone 1800 247 247.  You can also text Help to 51444 or call Pieta therapy services at 0818 111 126 and select the geographical region best suited for you.

Visit Spunout.ie for lots of practical advice and West Be Well offers information on well being and mental health supports and services.  You can also text Hello to 50808 for support.

The Samaritans provide a day and night service offering lots of supports.  They can be contacted at 116 123 or online at https://www.samaritans.org/samaritans-ireland/

The HSE provides supports at https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/ and by phone on the 24 hour information line on 1800 111 888

General Practitioners (GPs) will also provide information and signpost people to various supports.  In an emergency call 999 or 112

“If you feel like you’re losing everything remember that trees lose their leaves every year and they still stand tall and wait for better days to come”.