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Pieta House Encouraging People To Reach Out On Blue Monday

Monday, 18 January 2021 07:07

Today is known to be the toughest day of the year for mental health services.

Pieta is encouraging people to make a phone call to someone on what's known as the toughest day of the year.

The organisation has voiced its concern over the nations mental health on 'Blue Monday'.

They say older people in particular may be finding things tough under Level 5 restrictions. 

Funding and Advocacy Manager with Pieta House Athlone Tom McEvoy says they've seen an increase in calls since the third lockdown:

Release from Pieta House:

 

Signs to listen for:

  • Engaging in self-harm or risk-taking behaviour
  • Talking or writing about hurting themselves, dying or saying that they want to die
  • Talking about ways to die or having a suicide plan
  • Saying that they are ‘trapped’ or have no options in their life
  • Saying they have no purpose in their life, that they feel hopeless

Signs to watch out for:

  • Giving items away or saying goodbye to people
  • Becoming more inward looking and withdrawing from family and friends
  • Changes in sleep patterns – too much or too little sleep
  • Extreme emotions or dramatic changes in mood
  • Increasing use of drugs or alcohol.

Speaking about the ‘Know the Signs of Suicide’ campaign, Emma Dolan, Clinical Director at Pieta, said;

"We are calling on the public to look beyond ‘Blue Monday’ and familiarise themselves with the life-saving steps to recognise suicidal ideation. Any day of the year can be a challenge for people living with mental health issues so please use this day to think about how you can break down the stigma and raise awareness of these preventative measures. In Pieta we have been humbled by the overwhelming generosity of the public with so much good work being done over the past year. Our services continued throughout the pandemic and the various lockdowns we hope that the public will support us in our continued efforts throughout 2021.”

Knowing the signs allows you to then follow three simple steps, A.P.R. (Ask – Persuade – Refer) – and just like CPR, it can save a life.

 If someone opens up to you, don’t be afraid to Ask them directly if they are thinking of suicide or want to kill themselves. Talking to them openly and honestly is one of the best things you can do. Even just listening is one of the most powerful tools available. Once you have asked the question, calmly and gently Persuade them to seek help or to allow you to assist them in getting help. If you cannot persuade them, remember that Pieta’s 24/7 Crisis Helpline is open 24 hours day. As soon as you can, Refer or guide them to Pieta – if you can, make the call with them or travel with them to the appointment.

Pieta’s professional counsellors specialise in suicide prevention and tackling self-harm. The charity has centres all over Ireland and Pieta’s Freephone Crisis Helpline is open 24/7. All services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.

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