Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and now, perhaps more than ever, knowing the signs of suicide is incredibly important.
Pieta have launched a public awareness campaign encouraging people to recognise the signs and to know how to step in and help a friend or loved one.
Signs to listen for:
- Talking or writing about hurting themselves, dying or saying that they want to die
- Talking about ways to die or having a suicide plan
- Saying that they are ‘trapped’ or have no options in their life
- Saying they have no purpose in their life, that they feel hopeless.
Signs to watch out for:
- Engaging in self-harm or reckless, risk taking behaviour
- Giving items away or saying goodbye to people
- Becoming more inward looking and withdrawing from family and friends
- Changes in their sleep patterns – too much or too little sleep
- Extreme emotions or dramatic changes in mood
- Increasing their use of drugs or alcohol.
Knowing how and when to step in can be tricky, it is difficult to know what to do or say.
Pieta are asking people to remember 'A.P.R'. Just like CPR, it's easy to remember and it can save a life. Ask them directly if they are thinking of suicide, gently Persuade them to seek help, Refer them to Pieta.
Speaking to Dermot and Dave, Dr Samuel Gower, Clinical Director at Pieta explained how to practically apply A.P.R to real life situations and of the importance of making that call.
To avail of Pieta services, which are free of charge, please visit their website for all centre contact details. Pieta provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta 24/7 via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).
