A SHARP increase in demand for counselling services has been recorded by an organisation specialising in suicide prevention.
Pieta House, which claims to be Ireland’s only centre providing a therapeutic service for the prevention of suicide and self-harm, said it was “absolutely astounded” at the huge increase in demand for their services during the summer months. Demand for the centre’s services rose by 60 per cent in June and July compared to the same period last year.
“We have literally been inundated with demand from individuals and their families in crisis and seeking help this summer,” Joan Freeman, chief executive of Pieta House said. “Normally, summer is a quieter time during which we can recharge for the winter months but this year there has been no let up.”
Ms Freeman expressed concern at the increase in the number of children under the age of 17 requiring their service, who now represent 40 per cent of their clients. She attributes this increase to continuing financial difficulties and social networking sites which present suicide as an option.
“Sadly again we are seeing an increasing number of children coming to us seeking help,” she said. “Having less money available has a ripple effect on the family and children feel the stress but often don’t have the experience to cope with it.”
To combat demand, Pieta House staff have been working longer hours. Despite this, Ms Freeman maintains that the quality of counselling remains the same. Pieta House will also be opening two new branches in Ballyfermot and Limerick over the coming months.
“The best thing we can do is create more awareness of the issue,” Ms Freeman said in the lead up to World Suicide Day on September 10th.