World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD was observed on 10th September 2021.

WSPD was an initiative from the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) and was introduced in 2003. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

This year’s theme, which will be the theme until 2023, is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, which aims to empower people with the confidence to engage with the complexity of ‘hope’.

This week in particular , people should consider to share the things that they do which helps them feel hopeful when they’re going through challenging times. Example of these could be:-

• Catch up with an old friend and contact him/her
• Having a tea/ coffee with your best mate or a loved one
• Take a walk, go for a run, cycle swim or hit the gym
• Get adequate rest and quality sleep.
• Take time out for yourself.

It is important to emphasise that” IT IS OK TO SAY YOU ARE NOT OK”

Help is always available.

If you, or someone you know is struggling right now consider contacting any of the following supports:

Ahane GAA Health & Wellness Officer; Sean Carey (RGN) (087-9077534) is our health & wellness officer and he can be contacted directly and in the strictest of confidence regarding any physical/mental health issue.

• GP/GP out-of-hours service

The following are organisations that provide information and support to anyone affected by suicide:-

• Call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie, available 24/7

• Call Pieta House on 1800 247247 or text HELP to 51444, available 24/7

• Call Aware on 1800 804848 or email supportmail@aware.ie

• Call the Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line on 1800 807077

• Call Suicide or Survive on 1890 577 577

• Visit HSE - Mental Health for up-to-date information and services

• For information on Promoting Positive Mental Health, Wellbeing and Recovery visit Mental Health Ireland - https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie