Samaritans caller Róisín has urged others reach out for support this Christmas, describing how she went from ‘surviving to thriving’ after just one phone call.
Róisín Lynam, 34, said she turned to the suicide prevention charity when she was at her lowest point, giving her the strength to move forward.
Samaritans are available 24/7 throughout the festive period for anyone struggling to cope on freephone 116 123 or email [email protected].
Volunteers will answer approximately 30,000 calls this December, including 800 on Christmas Day. Loneliness and isolation, mental health concerns and family issues were among the main reasons people called.
“I have had depression and anxiety for most of my life,” shares Róisín, from Galway. “There was a time, at my lowest, that I turned to Samaritans for help. They spoke to me so kindly and gave me the strength to take the next steps in my recovery.
“Since that day, my life has changed and improved so much. Samaritans helped me go from surviving to thriving and I'm so happy I can give back after all they gave me.
“Christmas can be such a high pressure and highly emotional time of year with expectations that some feel like a failure when they can't meet. There are those who feel isolated and alone and even if it's just on the day I would encourage them to pick up the phone.”
While December is marketed as the ‘happiest time of the year’, we know that’s not the case for everyone. This time of year can be difficult for all sorts of reasons.
Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director, Samaritans Ireland
Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director, Samaritans Ireland, encouraged people to talk through their problems before they get too big: “On top of the challenges people face throughout the year – which don’t just take a break for Christmas – there’s the added financial burden, expectation to appear happy, spending time with people we’re not necessarily comfortable around, while feelings of loneliness and bereavement may be heightened.”
Kilkenny Castle lit green for the Longest Night 2024
Businesses and landmarks across the island lit up in on Saturday 21 December to mark Samaritans’ Longest Night campaign, to show people Samaritans are here for them during the long dark nights. See more images here.
Sarah added: “It is vital that, with regular support services often closed, people know our volunteers are there, available 24/7 on freephone 116 123, if they are struggling. Talking through a problem before it gets too big can really help.”
Samaritans volunteer Mary Horan will be among those on duty on Christmas Day.
“At Christmas time, feelings of loneliness and despair are heightened, especially on Christmas Day when the emphasis is on families being together as portrayed on television and in the ads. That image can magnify those feelings. People can be overwhelmed,” said Mary from Athlone.
“I volunteer on Christmas night to make sure the service is there for people who need it. A call that we take on a night like that could be the one that saves or alters somebody’s life. Samaritans may be the only helpline open when other services are closed."
It’s really been a privilege to be there for so long. Samaritans can provide a lifeline for those in distress.
Mary Horan, Samaritans volunteer
For more information contact [email protected]
Notes to editor
- Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.ie.
- Samaritans’ Longest Night was held on Saturday, December 21st with landmarks across the country illuminating in green to remind people we’re there for them in their darkest hours. Images can be found on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
- To volunteer with Samaritans visit www.samaritans.ie/volunteer