Local footballer backs Pieta’s ‘Know the Signs of Suicide’ initiative

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday, 10 September, Pieta is spotlighting the ‘Know the Signs of Suicide’ initiative, with a local Westmeath footballer supporting the campaign.

Know the Signs of Suicide is a public awareness resource created to help people identify some signs that may be recognisable if someone they know is considering taking their own life.

Ray Connellan from Athlone said he “thinks it’s essential to expose people to the signs of suicide.”

“I’ve been very open about my own struggles and because of this I know how difficult it can be to turn to anyone, your friends or family and simply say I’m not ok.

“We can’t tell what is going on inside anyone else’s head, but we can recognise a change in behaviour and the language they use to talk about themselves and life.”

In Ireland, the overall suicide rate for males is three times higher than for females, so the charity is urging everyone to ‘Know the Signs of Suicide’ when someone is considering taking their own life, so that help can be provided to a loved one.

People are being asked to listen for signs such as writing or talking about self-harm or dying, discussions of feeling ‘trapped’ and mentions of no purpose in life or hopelessness

Signs to look out for include giving away items or saying goodbye to people, becoming more inward and withdrawing from family and friends.

They can also include changes in sleep patterns, extreme emotions or dramatic changes in mood and an increase in drug or alcohol use.

If these signals are recognised, the APR (Ask – Persuade – Refer) model can be used.

This involves asking the person directly if they are thinking of suicide, gently persuading them to seek help or to allow for assistance in seeking help, followed by referring them to Pieta.

Speaking about Pieta’s ‘Know the Signs of Suicide’ initiative, Pieta’s Clinical Director, Emma Dolan, said:

"Here at Pieta, we have received over 27,000 calls to our 24/7 suicide, self-harm and suicide bereavement crisis line since the start of 2021. The world as we know it has changed drastically over the last 18 months, and now more than ever, it is important to look out and know the signs of suicide.

“Families speak to us following suicide bereavement and often the same feelings arise. They likely wish they had known what to look out for or what to say and how to broach the situation in the best way.

“It’s so important for people to know these signs, and to never be afraid to reach out to a loved one.”

Pieta’s professional 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 provided by Pieta are free of charge and no referral is needed.

For more information and help visit www.pieta.ie