A NATIONAL campaign to raise awareness of depression and the prevention of suicide is focusing on male vulnerability. ‘Men on the Ropes’ originated with Samaritans in the UK, an initiative driven by how appropriate the expression ‘Men on the Ropes’ is in times of crisis, and that men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Poster boy for the campaign is a boxer in real life who, suffering from depression, went to Samaritans for help. The connection with the 24/7 listening and befriending service worked and “this poster is one that men can relate to,”
says a spokesperson for Samaritans Limerick & Tipperary. “Network Rail put the poster up through out its trains, stations and light rail in the UK, given the high number of people who take their life under a train. The response from men to Samaritans has been good, with an upsurge in callers to our service”.
Anyone can ring Samaritans on 1850 609090 and the duration of the call, whatever length, is only 30c from a mobile or landline.
“We are a listening and befriending service, not counsellors who are trained to give advice,” this Samaritan makes clear. “We listen to people, strike up a relationship with the caller and help them find the answer within themselves. They talk about what’s on their mind, what ever it is and get it off their chest”.
Sometimes a caller will cry for a long time before they are able to talk, some hang up immediately, some will talk for an hour. You can also call to Samaritans at No. 20 Barrington Street in the city centre from 9am to 10pm every day, seven days a week, to talk face to face in absolute confidentiality and without judgement.
Making the connection with a Samaritan is about sourcing strength, expressing your pain and conflict and finding solace in both answers arrived at and the knowledge that there is always some one available to help and care, every day and night of the year.
Samaritans link with a series of support agencies such as MABs for money problems, Cura for pregnancy, post abortion counselling, Pieta House for suicide prevention, AWARE for support during depression.
You can visit www.samaritans.ie for more encouragement to open up and ring 1850 609090 for just 30c, no matter how long your call.
