According to the Samaritans, around 10 people die by suicide in Ireland every week. To combat this, the charity is advocating for interrupting people more, but not in the way you might be thinking. According to Samaritans’ research, 39% of people aren’t aware that suicidal thoughts can be interrupted simply by lending an ear to someone in need and asking how they are feeling.

Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, Sarah O’Toole, said in a statement, “Samaritans is encouraging everyone to be prepared to interrupt if they’re worried someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“If you think someone might be struggling or experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t worry about saying the perfect thing. Interrupt. Ask if they’re OK. Show them you care”.

She ended, saying, “You never know what difference that small moment of human connection could make.”

For the Samaritans’ World Suicide Prevention Day campaign on September 10, one person shared their personal experience regarding needing that interruption. Paul shared his experience with suicidal thoughts, saying, “I had started to feel like I was the root cause of every problem and if I removed myself, then that would fix everything. I felt tired, burnt out and broken. I decided I was going to take my own life.” 

He continued, “I was crossing the road when the taxi stopped me. I suspect the driver initially thought it was some idiot not paying attention, but he must’ve recognised that something wasn’t right. He got out to check if I was OK and said something like, ‘You need to talk to someone.’”

Paul finished his story, stating just how important that helping hand is, “So I called Samaritans. I don’t remember much about that call, but they helped me get through the night. They listened and allowed me to offload. It helped me go to bed and try again the next day.”

One of the goals of World Suicide Prevention Day is to show how common these struggles really are. LGBTQ+ people are particularly affected, with the 2024 Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland study reporting that 64% of respondents experienced suicidal thoughts and 26% attempted suicide. 

However, Samaritans’ research shows a hopeful statistic. After surveying people with lived experience of suicide, 60% of respondents state that their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by someone close to them, and 14% of respondents report the same for total strangers or someone they didn’t know.

Samaritans are championing the power of interruption, and it is proven to help people in incredibly difficult parts of their lives. So, if you have a family member, friend or see a stranger in need, don’t be afraid to ask and make that interruption, as it may save a life.

While World Suicide Prevention Day is incredibly important, it is equally important to keep these lessons in mind all the time, as mental health struggles can happen to anyone at any time.

If you or someone you know is currently struggling with their mental health, or just need someone to talk to, the Samaritans phone line is available 24/7 at 116 123, or email at [email protected].