“Season of Support: A Samaritans Caller Shares Their Holiday Call for Connection”

Róisín Lynam, 34, stated that she reached out to the suicide prevention organization when she was at her lowest, which empowered her to advance.

Samaritans operate 24/7 during the festive season for anyone who needs help by calling freephone 116 123 or by emailing [email protected].

This December, volunteers are expected to handle around 30,000 calls, including 800 on Christmas Day. Feelings of loneliness and isolation, mental health issues, and family-related problems were among the primary causes for calls.

“I have battled with depression and anxiety for the majority of my life,” Róisín, from Galway, reveals. “There was a time, during my darkest days, that I reached out to Samaritans for guidance. They addressed me with such compassion and helped me muster the strength to progress on my healing journey.

“Since that moment, my life has transformed and improved tremendously. Samaritans supported me in moving from merely surviving to truly thriving, and I’m incredibly grateful that I can now give back after all their assistance.

“Christmas can be an intensely pressured and emotionally charged period of the year, and with societies expectations, many feel like they have failed if they are unable to fulfill them. There are countless individuals who experience solitude and isolation, and even if it’s just for that day, I would strongly motivate them to pick up the phone.”

Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director, Samaritans Ireland, urged individuals to articulate their issues before they escalate: “Amidst the challenges one faces throughout the year – which don’t simply pause for Christmas – there’s the additional financial strain, pressure to appear joyful, spending time with those we may not necessarily feel at ease with, while feelings of isolation and loss may be intensified.”

Businesses and landmarks across the nation illuminated their spaces on Saturday, December 21, to commemorate Samaritans’ Longest Night initiative, demonstrating that Samaritans are present for those during the long, dark nights. Discover more images here.

Sarah further stated: “It’s crucial that, with regular support services frequently closed, individuals understand our volunteers are available, around the clock, at the freephone 116 123, should they face challenges. Discussing an issue before it escalates can be incredibly beneficial.”

Samaritans volunteer Mary Horan will be among those on duty on Christmas Day.

“During Christmas, feelings of solitude and despair are amplified, particularly on Christmas Day when the focus is on families congregating, as depicted on television and in advertisements. That portrayal can amplify such sensations. Individuals can feel overwhelmed,” shared Mary from Athlone.

“I volunteer on Christmas night to ensure the service is operational for those who require it. A call we receive on such a night could be the one that saves or significantly changes someone’s life. Samaritans may be the only helpline available when other services are shut.”

For further details contact [email protected]

Notes for editor