Samaritans Anticipating 1,000 Calls A Day During Second Lockdown
Samaritans have said that they are expecting around 1,000 phone calls a day as Ireland gears up for its second lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rory Fitzgerald, regional director of Samaritans Ireland, says the next 6 weeks will be tough on many people.
"People are probably weary at this stage, now it's gone on for so long.
"We must look after ourselves."
Some tips for staying well in the coming weeks:
? Try to focus on things inside your control
? Be kind to yourself
? Identify your coping skills
? Learn from Lockdown 1.0 - what helped?
?♀️ Try keep active & get enough sleep
?️ Talk about how you're feeling
? Text 50808— Text 50808 (@Text50808) October 19, 2020
Fitzgerald also says that this lockdown will be tougher than the initial one as the days are getting shorter and colder.
Samaritans Ireland are anticipating the second lockdown will be a challenge to meet the renewed demand for its services. Over 300 of Samaritans Ireland's 1,500 volunteers are currently cocooning.
During his speech last night, Taoiseach Micheal Martin acknowledged that the measures being put in place will have a real impact on the mental well-being on a significant number of the population.
People are being asked to stay in their homes unless it is absolutely necessary, with visits to family members outside of your household prohibited.
Supports are available through a raft of different services.
Freephone Samaritans Ireland any time on 116 123.
Contact Aware on 1800 80 48 48.
Young people can talk to Jigsaw through its live online web chat.
Or text about your issue, no matter how big or small, just text HELLO to 50808.
Contact Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
The number for Women's Aid for cases of domestic violence is 1800 341 900.