Pieta – Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity – is once again partnering with Sam’s Barbers ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday, 10th September to support the ‘SIGNS of Suicide’ campaign.
Since 2021, Pieta has documented a 14% increase in the number of men reaching out to the charity so as part of the ‘SIGNS of Suicide’ campaign, Pieta is urging men to ‘swap the small talk for the big talk’ to openly discuss their feelings with a friend, family member or anyone they feel comfortable confiding in.
Not only has there been an increase in men reaching out to Pieta for help, but there has also been a significant increase in younger people under 25 contacting the charity for help and support relating to suicide, self-harm, and suicide bereavement since the beginning of 2022. In 2021, Pieta responded to more than 97,000 crisis calls and texts, and this is set to rise significantly this year based on current figures.
Pieta therapists found that most people who talk about suicide do not want to die. They simply want to stop the pain they feel. Knowing some of the SIGNS to listen and watch out for is the first step in helping someone.
SIGNS to look out for include:
Sleep disturbance
Isolation
Giving way possessions
No interest in anything
Speaking of no future
When you know the SIGNS, you can 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 wanting 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 to us. 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 qualified 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.
For more information and help visit www.pieta.ie
