Suicide Prevention

A priest is always available for you to come and talk..do not be afraid. Any of the parish priests can be contacted at the parochial house.

There is not a community in Ireland that hasn't been affected by suicide. People of all ages and backgrounds, in varying circumstances, are taking the tragic decision to take their own lives. The consequences are far-reaching: families and friends experience a devestating loss, and some may even be prompted to consider suicide themselves. 

There is a need both to provide information and to promote a culure of support around accessing appropriate services. Our message is that asking for help is a real strength. If you need help right now or if someone you know is at risk of suicide or self harm, you should immediately contact your local doctor or go to the A&E department of the nearest hospital. 

Remember the Important steps of:
Tell - People with thoughts of suicide very often send out signals of some form to those around them indicating  what they are thinking of.

Ask - If you detect these signals Ask the person directly "Are you thinking about suicide?" 

Listen - If the person agrees that they are thining about suicide then tell them that "this is important" and that "you are now listening to them" - then take the time to listen without judgement. 

Keep Safe - Following listening tell the person that you now want to put them in contact with professionals/trained help, engage the person in this decision and ensure that contact is made. 

The following support and services are available in the Dundalk area: 

• SoSad-31 Williamsons Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth 24 Hour Emergency 042-9327311; 083-4244182 www.sosad.ie
• Rian - Counselling Support for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse, Market Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Freephone: 1800-234-117
• Dundalk Counselling Centre - 'Oakdene' 3 Seatown Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042-9338333
• Turas - Counselling and Aftercare Programme for Recovering Drug Users, 59 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Tel: 042-9338221, 042-9338224
• Rape Crisis North-East (RCNE) - dedicated professional counselling service available to anyone who has suffered as a result of Rape, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and Chilld Sexual Abuse within the North East Region. PO BOX 72, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk,, Co. Louth. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Freephone Information Helpline: 1800-212122 
• Women's Aid Dundalk - www.womensaiddundalk.org Confidential 24 Hour Helpline: 042-9333244
• Samaritans - Samaritans of Drogheda 3 Leyland Place, Stockwell Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel: 041-9843888 Confidential Helpline: 1850-60-90-90 www.samaritans.org

Other Services available

Turning the Tide of Suicide
Founded to raise awareness and funding to lower the suicide rates in Ireland through dedicated research, educational support and intervention in the problem of suicide in Ireland. www.3ts.ie

National Office for Suicide Prevention  
www.nosp.ie

Irish Association of Suicidology
The IAS set out to be a forum for all individuals and voluntary groups involved in any aspect of suicidology for the exchange of knowledge gained from differing perspectives and experiences. www.ias.ie

Pieta House
Pieta House offers specialised treatment programme for people who have suicidal ideation or who participate in self-harming behaviours. In particular, this centre targets people who have already attempted to take their lives - often the forgotten people. This service is free of charge, but donations are welcome. The specialized treatment programme offers comprehansive service aimed at individuals and their families who are affected by:

• Multiple suicidal appempts
• suicidal ideation
• continuous self-harming behaviours

Please feel free to call on 01-6010000 to arrange an appointment or to find out more www.pieta.ie

Why some people think about suicide?
Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon but most people dont act on these thoughts and feelings of despair. For some, these thoughts and feelings may happen after experiencing a bereavement, relationship breakdown, the loss of a job, financial pressures or following emotional or sexual abuse. For others, it is a profpund fear that they will be unable to cope with whatever has disturbed their peace of mind. Sometimes these thoughts occur without any apparent reason. People with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and clincial depression or people wwho are dependent on drugs or alcohol are more likely to try to take their own lives. They may need specialist and sometimes intensive medical and psychological care either in hospital or in the community. Sometimes they may have little insight into theeit condition and urgent specialist help will need to be requested by a family member, friend or colleague. Some people who are terminally ill or severely disabled may fel their life is no longer worth living, even that they are a burden to their family. Others fear that they will experience great suffering in dying. What is needed is a response of love and care by family, friends and the wider community, and the assistance that good palliative care can offer. Assisted suicide is not the answer it would only compound any snse of hopelessness and undermine the absolute valuse of every human life. Assisted suicide is illegal, and a change to the law woul dplace pressure on vulnerable people - including those who are elderly, disabled, depressed, terminally or chronically ill - to request assisted death. Sometimes suicidal feelings may arise from a sense of loss or abandonment by God, worthlessness, a lack of meaning in life and inner emptinss. Or it may be an overhwelming sense of guilt, or low self-worth, of insecurity and purposelessness. Prayer oppurtunities for spiritual conversation, the sacrament of reconciliation and the support of family and the parish community are very important. What to do if you are concerned about someone with sucidal feelings? if you are concerned about someone with sucidal feelings, phone the samaritians or consult your GP. Samaritan 1850 60 90 90. Details of further resources and support can be found on the samaritans website www.samaritans.org also on Day for Life website www.dayforlife.org.