Life can be tough and at times we can feel under pressure and completely overwhelmed. This is particularly poignant now, over 16 months on from when Covid-19 restrictions became part of our everyday lives – at home and at work.
Most people will need extra support at times in their life and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Samaritans want to get the message out that its volunteers are here for you, your family, friends, and colleagues too. Call free any time, from any phone, anonymously on 116 123. The number won’t show in a phone bill. You can email jo@samaritans.org.
While Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide, you don’t have to feel suicidal to get in touch. Only 1 person in 5 who call Samaritans actually say they feel suicidal.
People reach out for many reasons including loneliness and isolation, depression, relationship and family problems, bereavement, financial worries, job-related stress, bullying and disabling physical illness or pain.
You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time, either way, you may need emotional support to help you through. Unfortunately, some people do not have the support of friends or family they can turn to. While others do, they find talking to someone anonymously can be beneficial.
Struggling to cope
While you can’t really generalise how struggling to cope can make you feel or act, there are signs that you - or a relative, friend or colleague - may be suffering in silence:
- Lacking energy or feeling tired
- Feeling restless and agitated
- Feeling tearful
- Not wanting to talk to or be with people
- Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
- Becoming withdrawn or losing touch with friends and family
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating more or less than normal
If you’re worried about someone and want to ask how they are, give them the space to talk, ask open questions, listen to what they say, and let them know you’re there for them. But make sure you have support too if you’re helping a friend.
There are also things you can do to help yourself like:
- Make time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy, like reading, listening to music or going outdoors
- Have a healthy, balanced diet
- Spend time with family and friends
- Get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly
- Work out a plan to get through trickier times
Samaritans believe that - no matter the issue - if you're given the time and space to talk things through, you can find a way through your problems. Samaritans help you to explore your options, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
If you need to talk, Samaritans will listen on freephone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or get tips on supporting yourself and others on www.samaritans.ie
