These are truly extraordinary times with the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping across the world and countries from Norway to Australia imposing lockdowns on its citizens. Ireland’s lockdown began with the closing of schools on 12th March and has become progressively stricter in the weeks since. Given the current social isolation, it is more important than ever to check in on friends and family who may be struggling to cope. Many are feeling anxious and stressed given the current situation and this anxiety may be heightened with the barrage of bad news in all media. The Pieta organisation provide free access to therapists for anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm. Pieta also offers a suicide bereavement liaison and therapy service. You can find your local centre at Pieta.ie or you can call 1800 247 247, this number is staffed night and day. “We’re trying to reach out to the community to say we’re still open, that the service still exists for everyone in the community,” says Tom, Pieta’s Funding and Advocacy Manager. “We’re really trying to implore people to continue supporting us as well so that we can keep rolling out our one-to-one counselling, albeit that it will be phone therapy at this stage for the local centres or via our 1800 247 247 number.” Pieta therapists helping people cope Suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm can affect anyone at any time but clearly the current situation can exasperate the strain that a person is under. Jobs lost, reduced working hours, worry about personal finances, worry about loved ones, loneliness for some and the stress caused by lack of personal space for others are just some of the issues arising from these exceptional circumstances. For Pieta, this has led to a high volume of calls from people looking for help. “There is raised anxiety and the calls are coming in hot and heavy at the moment,” adds Tom. “We’ve a text number as well so people can text us if they’re finding it difficult to get through to our 1800 247 247 number. “They simply have to text HELP, and then their name and contact details to 51444 and we’ll engage with them as soon as we possibly can. That text number is supported by a therapist as well.” Pieta has helped almost 60,000 people since it was first established over fifteen years ago. It focusses on those who are in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. The team of professional therapists offer coping mechanisms to clients and look to offer a new perspective on any issues that they’re trying to overcome. The free counselling service provides a safe place for those who get in touch and can help get through their crisis. Pieta services are provided free of charge with no hospital or GP referral required. The organisation is dependent on the public to support these services and Pieta are reaching out to the community to donate whatever they can in order to support the provision of counselling.
