OUR MESSAGE

There are many theories surrounding suicide, which are topics for debate elsewhere. But one thing is certain, the numbers of our loved ones dying by suicide every week is a real tragedy, but in many cases the suicide may be prevented with the right help and support.

Suicide takes so many of our families and friends because many of those suffering and contemplating suicide do not talk about how they feel or the fact that they see suicide as a real and viable option for them. This may explain why many suicides are completely unexpected, even to those closest to that person. In too many cases, people see suicide as the only way to relieve them of the terrible pain and suffering they live with. In a way it is an option that is used when all other options have failed them. It is also true that many people also cover up their true feelings and pretend that everything is great, when it is anything but. It is also common that some people with thoughts of suicide do not tell anyone or talk to anyone because they already feel a burden in those they love and don't want to inconvenience or trouble them any further, and from this train of thought comes the mistaken idea that if they were to take themselves out of the equation, so to speak, everyone else would be better off. Another problem is the stigma attached to mental ill health and suicide. This is a barrier that prevents some people seeking help they need and deserve. With young men in particular they can often feel 'weird' talking about their problems and mental health in particular.

For these and many other reasons a lot of people thinking of suicide don't talk about how they really feel and don't look for any help. Maybe they have tried to get help before and failed and don't see any point in going down that road again. Sometimes they feel that they cannot be helped but we know that is not true at all. The truth is that there is help out there and they can be helped and this is where we, as family and friends, can help.

There Is Always Hope

What we all need to do now is push and promote the fact that talking helps and is the first step to recovery and that the worse course of action is to keep feelings bottled up where they fester and worsen the situation. I know from personal experience and from the work we do here in SOSAD that talking openly and honestly and getting professional help, can help nearly everyone. Many people have already been saved from suicide by just telling someone how they feel, and then getting professional help. After all, Life is far better than the alternative even when it is so hard.

It is our duty and responsibility to watch out for those that may be in crisis and the earlier the intervention the better. If you do come across someone close who you are worried about, just invite them to be open with you. Listen to what they have to say and don't judge them. If you feel that they may be thinking about suicide, don't be afraid to ask them directly if they are thinking about harming themselves or suicide. Then if your worst fears are confirmed offer all your support the get them professional help. If they do not want to talk to you, encourage them to visit or talk to a professional or someone else they trust and feel comfortable with, and help them in any way you can. In the cases where they do not want to talk to anyone, but you are still concerned about their mental well being or their safety, ring a professional such as your doctor, or local suicide prevention resources, and get advice on how you should proceed.

Being there for someone when they really need it is a great way to prevent suicide.

There is a map on this website on the Support in your Area page that shows all the suicide prevention resources in Ireland or you can click on the link to find the doctors in your area, if you don't have their numbers already. If the person is set and prepared for suicide then we suggest you ring the emergency services straight away. Taking the first step can be so hard but beneficial to everyone concerned so don't be put off.

The new Government has talked a lot about suicide prevention, but have not actually done anything about it yet. Maybe we will be surprised and they will give the problem of suicide in Ireland the attention it deserves, but don't bank on it. The HSE is in such disarray with a total lack of resources where they are really needed and a complete lack of will to tackle the serious problems of suicide so that there is no real leadership in the country when it comes to saving our loved ones from suicide. Basically this means that it is down to each one of us to look out for each other and do what we can to help those at risk and hopefully the information on this website will help you if ever you are faced with someone in great distress.

What we aim to do is get the message across that "There is Always Hope". Those in need just have to know where to find it. On this site there are links to groups that offer professional support to people contemplating suicide, and a great job they do helping hundreds of our loved ones every year.

If you are in distress yourself and suicide is becoming an option for you, hopefully this site will make you reconsider and encourage you to talk with someone you can trust. What harm can it do. The first step or contact, no matter how difficult it may seem, or how anxious it makes you, may well be the start of your recovery. The help you need may come from someone in your family, your group of friends, your school or your GP. In other words someone you are comfortable with, someone you can easily talk to. It is your choice.
"There is always hope".

If we can ever be of any help at all please get in touch through info@sosadireland.ie or ring us on 041 9848754