Teenage girl having suicidal thoughts 'not unique' as Childline says calls soared over Easter

The Easter break should be a time of joy for children, a time of fun with family, getting a break from school and over-indulging in chocolate eggs. But for many young people across Ireland who turn to Childline, Easter is an endurance test.

Data reveals that Ireland’s only 24/7/365 listening service received a heartbreaking spike in contacts over the three-day Easter period (April 4, 5 and 6), with almost 1,000 contacts reaching out to volunteers.

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For some, they reached out during their darkest moments, with 20 of those contacts discussing suicide.

“Easter is one of our busiest times of the year,” says Elizabeth Donlon Fox, Childline Listening National Supervisor.

“For many children, school is a sanctuary, a breathing space from their chaotic home lives. They feel more alone and desperate during the holidays when they know that their friends are having fun, while they have to cope with neglect and abuse.

“Every day of the year, we hear from young people who are often experiencing the worst time of their lives.”

The Childline team spends the equivalent of 146 full days a year talking to children and young people in immediate crisis.

Clodagh (not real name) was one of those. The teenager turned to Childline after the pressures of her life left her feeling overwhelmed, hopeless and eventually suicidal.

She desperately missed her dad when her parents separated, her mother has mental health issues and struggles to cope, so Clodagh, who is just 14 years old, has to ensure that her younger siblings are fed, washed and go to school and that the house is clean. The isolation, worry and anxiety had a shockingly detrimental effect on Clodagh’s own mental health.

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Clodagh’s story is not unique. She found the courage to call Childline and spoke to a trained volunteer who provided the life-saving support she so desperately needed.

It costs just €22 to answer a contact from a suicidal child. Every day, volunteers at Childline hear from young people who have suicidal feelings and every donation makes a real difference and helps to ensure that Childline's team of volunteers are always available to help the young people who turn to them.

To help Childline help the children who turn to us, go to ispcc.ie