IN 2006, Pieta House opened its doors in Lucan, Co Dublin and since then has established 12 subsequent centres across Ireland. From humble beginnings, it has grown to almost 270 therapists and staff, and the demand for their service hasn’t let up.

As it has been from day one, everything is free of charge and their staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one-to-one therapeutic service for people who are experiencing suicidal ideation, people who have attempted suicide and people who are engaging in self-harm. A doctor’s referral or a psychiatric report is not required.

As 90% of their income comes from fundraising events, they rely heavily on the support of volunteers and friends of Pieta House.

I’M FEELING SUICIDAL

You can contact Pieta House at any hour of the day by telephoning Freecall 1800 247 247, or you can simply text HELP to 51444. Pieta House also has a number of regional centres which you can contact for the prevention of self-harm and suicide.

If you are having these thoughts you must be feeling alone, afraid and unsure of what to do next. You probably don’t want to tell anyone that you are feeling suicidal because you’re worried they might be shocked or they might not understand.

But think of it this way: if you had a broken leg, you wouldn’t think twice about telling someone. You would expect them to get you the help you need. By telling a family member or friend how you feel and asking them to contact Pieta House, you are allowing them to help you. Wouldn’t you do the same for someone else if it were the other way around?

If you find it difficult to talk face to face, then send an email, a text message or a note. What’s important is that you share your suicidal feelings with someone.

Emotional pain is just as serious as physical pain. With the support you’ll get at Pieta House, you’ll start to heal. There you will be shown how to feel more hopeful about the future and helped to sort out the problems you’re experiencing now.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WHO’S FEELING SUICIDAL?

It’s a huge shock when someone tells you they’re feeling suicidal. You may feel afraid or numb. You may not know what to do or where to turn. Be assured there is help available.

First of all, it’s really important to take them seriously. When someone finds the courage to talk about wanting to take their own life, they’re serious about it. They’re not just looking for attention. They want to stop the pain that’s making their life unbearable.

They’ll need your compassion and kindness at this low point. And they’ll also need the support that is on offer at Pieta House.

Ask their permission to call Pieta House and make an appointment. They will be seen as soon as possible – usually within days – and you can bring them there. Reassure the person that trained personnel will help them to stop the pain they feel and rediscover their reasons for living.

This service is totally free. Pieta House also offers support and advice to friends and family. And the good news is that a suicide crisis is usually for a short time. Reach out to Pieta House – let them help.

I’M SELF-HARMING

Intentionally hurting yourself can be a way to express difficult emotions. Self-harm might be your way of releasing pent-up feelings of distress or anger. Maybe it’s the only way you know how to cope. However, there are other ways of coping.

Why don’t you tell a friend about what’s happening? You might be worried about their reaction and afraid they’ll think you’re just looking for attention. It’s very likely, however, that they’ll honour your trust with kindness and compassion.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WHO SELF-HARMS?

Many people do things that they know are harmful to themselves to help them to cope with difficult emotions or experiences. This might be eating or drinking too much or taking drugs. Sometimes people intentionally harm themselves for the same reasons.

If someone trusts you enough to confide in you about their self-harm, you can start to help them immediately. First, honour their trust in you by showing them kindness, love and compassion. Second, help them get the support they need by asking their permission to contact Pieta House on their behalf. Reassure the person that you’ll come with them, even if they’re over 18.

I’VE BEEN BEREAVED BY SUICIDE

Pieta House now operates the Suicide Bereavement Counselling centres that had previously been operated by Console. They provide free counselling, therapy and support to individuals, couples, families and children who have been bereaved by suicide.

Contact details are published elsewhere on this page.

Help Pieta House

This May, hundreds of thousands of people around the world will get together to walk from the darkness of night into the light of morning, to help in the global fight against suicide and self-harm.

Symbolically the walk represents the therapeutic counselling journey. It sparks conversation about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in all our lives.

The entry fees raised around the world allow Pieta House and their international charity partners to continue to deliver our vital services.

Join them on May 11th and walk together for a brighter future. Register today on www.darknessintolight.ie