|

Suicidal Thoughts

This information is brought to you by the HSE and the National Office for Suicide Prevention via their national website yourmentalhealth.ie
Suicidal-Thoughts
9
Aug

Suicidal Thoughts

Experiencing a lot of emotional pain or distress, and losing hope that things can improve, can lead to suicidal thoughts. There are a lot of different types of support available to help people who are experiencing emotional distress and it is important to find something that suits you and meets your particular needs. It can help to talk to someone you can trust and to tell them you are going through a difficult time. You could ask if they can help you to find the support you need.

If you are feeling suicidal, there are several ways to get help:

  • Talk to a G.P.
Contact a local family doctor (G.P.) or health centre by visiting the ie online service finder. If it’s late in the evening, night time or the weekend, contact a G.P. Out of Hours Service.  G.P.s are also listed under ‘General Practitioners’ in the Golden Pages. Find out how a G.P. can offer support for mental health problems.
  • Contact hospital services
Go to or contact the Emergency Department of your nearest general hospital if you are contemplating suicide or if you need help. Hospitals are listed on the ie online service finder. You can also contact the emergency services by calling 999 or 112 if you or someone else has harmed themselves or taken an overdose.
  • Make an appointment with H.S.E. Mental health services 
If you have been (or are currently) supported by a mental health team, go to the Emergency Department or contact the service you are attending and ask for an appointment as soon as possible.
  • Counselling 
Pieta House offer support and counselling for people who have experienced suicidal thoughts.
  • Listening service
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope or struggling with suicidal thoughts. For confidential, non-judgemental support please free call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.ie for details of the nearest branch.

You might need to try a few options before you find appropriate support but don’t give up trying – there is help available. If possible, ask someone to come along with you to the support service you contact.

When someone tells you they are thinking about suicide

When someone tells you they are thinking of taking their own life, it is frightening. There are practical things you can do right away:

  • Do your best to remove access: Remove access to any means of suicide or self harm– such as medicines, a rope, etc.
  • Hospital emergency services : Go to or contact the Emergency

Department of your nearest general hospital. Hospitals are listed on the HSE.ie online service finder. You can also contact the emergency services by calling 999 or 112 if someone has harmed themselves or taken an overdose.

  • Stay with them: Stay with them while you’re making contact with the services listed above. Do not leave them on their own.
  • Go with them to get help: Once you have contacted the services, go with them to their appointment. Find out more about accompanying someone to the health services.