Suicide or Survive in Co Kildare
People in Co Kildare who are supporting family, friends, neighbours, colleagues or community members that are struggling with their mental health are being offered a unique opportunity to avail of a discounted programme designed especially for them.
Suicide or Survive’s ‘Supporters Programme’ teaches supporters practical skills they can use to support the people they care about. It gives information on what supports are available and how they can be accessed and teaches practical ways of looking after your own mental health while supporting someone else.
Thanks to recent national fundraising efforts there are a limited number of discounted places on the upcoming 2.5 day programme starting on Saturday May 12th at The Acre in Celbridge. The programme then continues on Saturday May 19th and finishes with a half day on Saturday May 26th.
Places are being offered at €75 and this includes two facilitators on each day, all programme materials, tea, coffee and lunch. The organisers are happy to discuss a further discount if the cost is a challenge for anyone.
The subsidised rate is made possible thanks to funding from the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Iris O'Brien Foundation, and ongoing community fundraising efforts.
Suicide or Survive Founder and CEO Caroline McGuigan said: “Suicide or Survive recognises and understands that supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health can be challenging. For this reason, we have developed this fantastic and innovative programme for people supporting family members, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, people in their community and others who are struggling with their mental health. It is the first of its kind in Ireland and we are thrilled to be offering it to people thanks to the support of our fantastic partners and supporters.”
You can find out more at www.suicideorsurvive.ie. To apply for a place on the Supporters Programme please contact Catherine on [email protected] or 1890577577. The programme is open to anyone over the age of 18 years who is supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health.
The symptoms of depression can be complex. If you are depressed, you often lose interest in things you used to enjoy. Depression commonly interferes with your work, social life and family life. There are many other symptoms, which can be psychological, physical and social.
Psychological symptoms include:
- continuous low mood or sadness
- feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- low self-esteem
- tearfulness
- feelings of guilt
- feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- lack of motivation and little interest in things
- difficulty making decisions
- lack of enjoyment
- suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
- feeling anxious or worried
- reduced sex drive
Physical symptoms include:
- slowed movement or speech
- change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
- constipation
- unexplained aches and pains
- lack of energy or lack of interest in sex
- changes to the menstrual cycle
- disturbed sleep patterns (for example, problems going to sleep or waking in the early hours of the morning)
Social symptoms include:
- not doing well at work
- taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
- reduced hobbies and interests
- difficulties in home and family life
AWARE Helpline: 1890 303 302 Seven days a week, 10am–10pm Email: [email protected] Website: www.aware.ie
GROW Information line: 1890 474 474 Email: [email protected] Website: www.grow.ie
HSE National Information Line Monday to Saturday, 8am-8pm Call Save: 1850 24 1850 Email: [email protected]
Senior helpline LoCall: 1850 440 444 Seven days a week, 10am-1pm and 7-10pm
The Samaritans Helpline: 1850 60 90 9024 hour service Email: [email protected] Website: www.samaritans.ie
Mental Health Ireland Tel 01-284 1166 or 086-8353387 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mentalhealthireland.ie
Citizen’s Information Centres LoCall: 1890 777 121 Website: www.citizensinformation.ie Free and confidential service
Active Retirement Ireland Shamrock Chambers, 1-2 Eustace Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01-6792142 Email: [email protected]