Have you EVER called a HELPLINE? If not WHY not?

I did a depression therapy group course during the summer over 10 weeks. It was excellent and so nice to meet a lovely group of people who were kind, supportive and non-judgmental.

One of the weeks we were given a behavioural experiment to ring one of the three major helplines Pieta House, Aware and the Samaritans. Firstly we were to save the numbers on our phone. Then call one and see how we get on so that in a true time of need we have the number at hand and we have already spoken to one of them so are more inclined to call them again.

It made me think. I have been challenged with mental health difficulties on and off for over 26 years including horrendous depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite this I had NEVER once called a helpline and I wondered why. Were there many like me?

I decided to email the three Charities baby steps. I got very different responses from being offered free counselling to getting information about support groups, online CBT courses. All amazing support I was delighted to see this. Lastly I got one very personal response which I replied to. Emails went back and forth. Non-judgemental supportive emails. A stranger was being so kind in a time of need it warmed my heart. Why had I never done this before?

So I spoke about this experiment with friends. One shared with me how amazing she found a Helpline. She had emailed and phoned them over the years. At one very low point they would talk to her until she fell asleep. Wow how amazing is that. She also shared that it took her years to phone them as she was afraid. She said ‘I think people in need…need to learn not to be afraid to ring the Helpline numbers.’ Another friend had never contacted one despite her challenges. However after talking to her about the amazing emails I got she said she would definitely ring or email one in the future. It had opened her eyes.

I don’t want to overload the helplines but I do urge you too to save the numbers and take that step and phone or email or text a helpline. It could save your life someday.

I was in Merrion Square a few months ago for a festival run by Laya and there was a stand run by the Samaritans. Of course I stopped for a chat. It was so comforting to know that anything that is said is 100% confidential. Imagine being able to say whatever is on your mind? A problem shared is a problem halved.

There are 5 Key Concepts in WRAP®, Wellness Recovery Action Plan one of which is SUPPORT. Often one of the best responses when you are having difficulty is reaching out to one of your supporters – either telling them how you are feeling or just spending time with them doing something you both enjoy. Some of us are lucky to have support from friends or family. Sometimes family for various reasons find it difficult to cope and are not able to support. So it’s important to accept this and look for support  elsewhere whether it’s friends or support groups.

There is a WRAP® peer support group in St John of God hospital once a month and a WRAP Cafe in Dún Laoghaire twice a month. Attend a WRAP® course with SOS, Cluain Mhuire, St Pats, Mental Health Ireland or St John of God hospital and you can attend the support group or cafe where the 5 WRAP®

Key Concepts, Wellness Tools and WRAP Plan will be discussed.

Helplines are a tremendous support worth trying too sometime.

• Pieta House 24-hour suicide helpline on 1800 247 247. Or, alternatively, text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply) mary@pieta.ie
• Samaritans.org 116 123 (24-hour freephone helpline); text: 087 260 9090 (standard rates apply); email: jo@samaritans.ie
• Aware.ie 1890 303 302 (7 days a week, from 10am to 10pm) supportmail@aware.ie
• WRAP Programme
  WRAP Wellness Recovery Action Planning
  Recovery (WRAP®) Programme
• WRAP App