The Samaritans expect up to 600 extra calls to be made to their helpline over the weekend as people battle an increased sense of isolation over the bank holiday.
"There is a sense in which people feel that they should be involved with family and be in a celebratory mood over Easter. They are under increased stress and feel very alone," said Mr Paul O'Hare, spokesman for the Samaritans.
Mr O'Hare said alcohol was a huge factor over the holidays as people generally drank more than usual and were more likely to look for help. The recently bereaved could also feel vulnerable at this time of year.
He said celebratory periods such as Easter could act as a trigger for people who had feelings of abandonment, loss or anger. He added that it was important to make people aware of the Samaritans' existence at this time of year.
"We need to make sure that people realise that we are able to help them if they are in an emotional crisis. We are there for people when they feel overwhelmed by their feelings."
Meanwhile, the economic growth in Ireland has reduced the number of people available for volunteer work. The Samaritans have close to 2,500 volunteers in Ireland, both in the Republic and the North, and are seeking new volunteers.
The Samaritans are keen to recruit volunteers of all ages. No formal qualifications are needed; the capacity to listen is the most important asset of any potential volunteer.
"You don't have to have any special qualifications to be a volunteer. You just need to want to be there for someone and be a good listener," Mr O'Hare said.
Each volunteer underwent 10 weeks of training before starting to answer helpline calls.
Some 463,000 contacts were made to the Samaritans in 1999. Of these 56 per cent were men. In 13 per cent of calls, the caller expressed suicidal thoughts. A further 8,300 drop-in contacts were made to branch offices in 1999.
On average there are 12 suicides a week in Ireland.
The call for volunteers comes ahead of the launch last week of an "emergency rural stress campaign" for which the Samaritans are attempting to reach those worst affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis.
The organisation is planning advertise in the national and local media in the coming weeks highlighting the services of its 12 branch offices.
These are: Athlone (0902) 73133; Cork (021) 427 1323; Drogheda (041) 984 3888; Dublin (01) 872 7700; Ennis (065) 682 9777; Galway (091) 561 222; Kilkenny (056) 65554; Limerick (061) 412 111; Newbridge (045) 435299; Sligo (071) 42011; Tralee (066) 712 2566; and Waterford (051) 872114.
The Samaritans' national helpline number is 1850 60 90 90. Volunteers are advised to contact their local Samaritans' office.
www.samaritans.org