Family & Friends
If you’re concerned that someone is suffering with Stress, Anxiety or Panic Attacks, let them know that you want to help them:
- Let them know you have noticed changes in their behaviour and are worried about them.
- Ask how you can help them. This could be just listening or sitting with them and telling them that they are okay.
- If there’s a specific problem at the root of their anxiety or panic, break it down and work out practical steps to deal with it. For example, if someone is stressing out over an exam, work out a devised study schedule with them whilst acknowledging their autonomy and independence.
- Typically people who are stressed or anxious think about worst case scenario outcomes. Ask them to consider 3 questions:
- What’s the worst that could happen
- What’s the best that could happen and
- What’s the most realistic of likely outcome.
- Reassure them that the worst of their fears is also the least likely to happen.
- Encourage them to speak with their GP or a Counsellor – they are trained to help and can offer a lot of relief and support. If they are lucky enough to have private health insurance or work for an employer with an Employee Assistance Scheme (EAP), counselling & supports may be available through these free of charge.
- Offer to help and support but not to take over. Ultimately, your friend or loved one will need to find their own way out of this in order to develop and strengthen their coping skills. But by showing your support, you can help them through this.
Useful Contacts
Samaritans
Longstanding & trusted, Samaritans volunteers provide confidential support, befriending and listening to those in personal crisis, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 21 branches across Ireland. Also provide a Self-Help App. to keep track of feelings, get coping recommendations & to stay safe in a crisis.
- Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland & N Ireland)
- Email: jo@samaritans.ie (Rep. of Ire) jo@samaritans.org (N Ire) email response issues within 24 hours)
- Web: samaritans.org
Pieta
Suicide support service – free helpline & face to face counselling support. For information & branches nationwide, see pieta.ie
- Helpline (24hr): 1800 247 247 to speak with a therapist if you are in crisis
- Text HELP to 51444
- Call 0818 111126 to make an appointment with a therapist
- Email: mary@pieta.ie
- Web: pieta.ie
Text 50808
Confidential messaging support service providing immediate support for anyone going through a mental health or emotional crisis – big or small. Crisis Volunteers are available 24/7 for anonymous text conversations. Available every day 24 hours a day; standard message rates apply.
- Text 3TS to 50808 to start the conversation;
Childline
Childline is the national 24-hour active listening service for children and young people up and including 18 years of age in Ireland. Children and young people can contact the service at any time, to talk about any issue on their mind.
- Chat online: Childline.ie
- Text: 50101
- Call: 1800 66 66 66
Teenline
Teenline is a free 24-hour active listening service for young people up and including 18 years of age in Ireland. Provided by the ISPCC, the service is confidential, non-directive and non-judgemental.
Young people can contact the service at any time, to talk about any issue on their mind.
- Call: 1800 833 634