New research from Pieta has found that almost half of people in Ireland have worried that someone close to them could be at risk of suicide.
The research has been published for World Suicide Prevention Day today, September 10, with Pieta encouraging people to speak up if they are concerned about a friend, family member or someone they know.
While 48% of those surveyed said they had worried about someone close to them, many admitted they would be hesitant to raise the subject of suicide.
The biggest concern was making the situation worse, with 60% saying this would make them think twice about starting a conversation.
A further 59% were worried about saying the wrong thing, while 56% were concerned about how the person might respond.
More than half of respondents, 52%, said they had previously expressed concern about someone without directly asking whether they were thinking about suicide.
Pieta says people would feel more confident having these conversations if they had better access to information and advice.
Advice was identified by 63% of respondents as something that would help, while 51% said information about warning signs would make a difference.
Meanwhile, 49% said knowing more about available support services would help them start a conversation, and 45% said they would feel more confident if they knew support was free and did not require a referral.
Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta, said people should not feel that they have to handle the situation alone.
“Many people have worried someone close to them may be at risk of suicide. It also shows how fears of saying the wrong thing or making matters worse can leave people unsure how to respond,” she said.
Pieta provides free support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, as well as people bereaved by suicide.
Its 24-hour Crisis Helpline is also available to anyone who is concerned about someone close to them.
If you are worried about someone, you do not have to know exactly what to say or do before asking for help.
Pieta’s Crisis Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 1800 247 247. You can also text HELP to 51444. Pieta says its crisis service is free and does not require a referral.
Other supports are also available:
Samaritans: Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day.
Text About It: Text HELLO to 50808 for free, 24/7 support by text.
HSE: The HSE has information on suicide, mental health crises and how to support someone who may be struggling.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of self-harm, call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest emergency department.
If you are concerned about someone else, you can contact Pieta, Samaritans or Text About It for advice and support. You do not need to wait until you are certain that someone is suicidal before reaching out.
