It comes as today is World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September).
Speaking on Kildare Today, Branch Manager for Samaritans Newbridge Heidi Shanahan says the stigma is beginning to fade in society:
"I think people are starting to realise that there's not really a stigma attached to it.
"We can say we're struggling, and we're using that word everybody hates: suicidal."
The population of young people in the county is also something she has noticed, with COVID seemingly having a lasting effect on people's mental health:
"We've seen a lot of after effects of COVID, social anxiety and people not mixing, they've lost their friend groups and they're just not talking and life has gotten hectic.
"They're on social media and on their phones, and we're forgetting how to have a conversation and check in with someone."
Ms Shanahan added that the cost-of-living crisis is an extra burden that the cohort in their 30s in particular seem to experience, some still living at home with their parents:
"Expensive rents, mortgages, cost of living, they're living with their parents, they're working but they've nothing to show for it.
"They just get in that dark hole, they don't socialise and they're thoughts just come in on them."
Heidi was reassured in her belief that we can help each other, through conversation and showing that we genuinely care:
"You can help somebody, check in, talk to someone, have a cup of tea. Don't be afraid to ask people how they're feeling, we're very quick in Ireland to say 'I'm grand, I'm fine', but sometimes we just have to open up that conversation a bit more.
"We're all rushing and doing things, but just take time out to check in with those people."
The full interview can be heard below:
HELPLINES
Samaritans - Call free, day or night, on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org . email jo@samaritans.ie
Pieta - 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444
‘Text About It’ by spunout - whatsapp or free text 086 1800 280
In an emergency always call 999 or 112 for immediate support.
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