Cookstown Rotary Support Foundation for Suicide
Cathy Hannah from the Niamh Louise Foundation recently visited Cookstown Rotary Club to receive a cheque from the club in support of the services offered by the Niamh Louise Foundation.
Cathy addressed the Club members and provided an overview of the critical support services and counselling offered by the Niamh Louise Foundation for families of Suicide and also critically to those with suicidal thoughts as a preventive intervention measure.
Suicide has become common within our community and the lack of understanding with regard to how we should act as individuals in preventing such deaths has been brought to the attention of local counselling and bereavement support agencies. Cathy stressed that more information and awareness needs to be distributed throughout the local community to encourage individuals to become more proactive in suicide prevention and gain the necessary knowledge with regard on how to deal with suicidal issues. She commented "We are here, based and working in mid Ulster and we would like to ensure that people are aware of our presence and our services. Suicide is a growing concern in today's society with a totally devastating effect on the families of victims".
Warning signs for suicide;
• Feelings of failure, loss of self-esteem, isolation and hopelessness
• Sleep problems, particularly waking up early
• A sense of uselessness and futility. Feeling "What's the point?"
• Taking less care of themselves; for example, eating badly or not caring what they look like
• Suddenly making out a will or taking out life insurance
• Talking about suicide. It's a myth that people who talk about suicide don't go through with it. In fact, most people who have taken their own lives have spoken about it to someone
• A marked change of behaviour. Someone may appear to be calm and at peace for the first time or, more usually, may be withdrawn and have difficulty communicating
If you would like to find out more, or if you know someone who may be feeling suicidal, call 07717876037 or visit www.niamhlouisefoundation.co.uk for more information.
