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Suicide
After completing two days of intense Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), I have decided to write about the topic of suicide briefly!
Suicidal thoughts are more common than you may think. 11% of 18-25 years of age have reported having thoughts of suicide. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021, suicide is the fourth cause of death amongst youngsters aged 15-19. For the 15-24-year-old age group, the rate of suicide is 14 per 100,000 people.
If you have thoughts of suicide, it is important to get help. You may think occasional thoughts of suicide are no big deal. The problem is that these thoughts can build upon each other and eventually lead to a crisis.
It is important to seek help before it becomes a crisis. Talk to an adult who you trust, a counselor, or call the Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland at 1800 828 888
I think someone who I know may hurt themselves. What should I do?
It is important to ask them if they have thoughts of hurting themselves. Please encourage them to seek help.
Call;
Local GP or Emergency Department
Emergency Services on 112 or 999
Samaritans anytime on Free Phone 116 123
Pieta Free 24/7 Crisis helpline:1800 247 247Text HELP to 51444
If they seem resistant to getting help, tell someone. It would help if you told their parents unless you believe it will make things worse for your friend. It is important to tell someone.
Also, if your friend admits that they are thinking of hurting themselves and tell you to keep it private, tell them that you cannot make that promise. You may be saving their life even though you may lose their friendship.