Christmas Message from Breaking The Silence

Christmas is traditionally a happy and joyous occasion however for some people it is not so happy.  In particular this year we are all facing increased financial pressures and this can naturally cause people to feel stressed, overwhelmed, afraid and lost.  That is why now more than ever it is very important to look after all aspects of your health and in this article we will be focusing on mental health.  We encourage anybody who is experiencing difficulty to TALK to somebody they trust whether it be a close friend, family member, work colleague, classmate, GP etc. Most people agree that by simply talking to somebody things do not seem as difficult.  If you are however experience serious symptoms such as suicidal thoughts you can ring a 24 hour national freephone suicide prevention helpline called 1 Life on 1800 247 100 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444. So even if you feel that you have nobody to talk to you can always ring the 1 Life number to speak confidentially with professional counsellors.

Breaking The Silence is a voluntary Cobh based group that helps to create a Suicide Safer Community by connecting the person at risk of Suicide with life preserving resources.  The group aims to listen, support, educate and train the community on Suicide and in 2010 trained over 800 people in this area.   A heartfelt thank you from everybody involved in Breaking The Silence to the people of Cobh for their generosity, support and for taking part in Breaking The Silence training during the year.

For information on upcoming courses with Breaking The Silence please email breakingthesilencobh@gmail.com and to keep up to date with group activities you can find us on facebook  www.facebook.com/btscobh

Avril Quinn, PRO, 10^th December 2010

1 Life is a dedicated 24 hour freephone national suicide prevention helpline

Call 1800 247 100 to speak confidentially with professional counsellors

Or text ‘HELP’ to 51444