Pat's Answer

Hi, you are very welcome to Ask Pat,

lt really seems that you are processing a lot being worried about Covid-19 and having suicidal feelings. Thank you so much for sharing that with us, we know it can be hard. 

We are wondering if the suicidal thoughts are linked to Covid-19 or have they been present for a while. Covid-19 is having an impact on many of us, in many different ways. With the restrictions surrounding Covid-19 and the worries of the virus, it is understandable to us here that you would be concerned or worried about what is going for you and around you. 

Do you have somebody that you can share these thoughts with? An adult that you feel comfortable talking to, a parent, an extended family member, aunt, uncle or indeed a youth leader. If you are returning to school there may be a designated person there to support transitions back due to Covid-19, how would feel about linking in with that support? You have the right to get support around your feelings about Covid-19 and especially your feelings of suicide.

It would be really important that you get to talk to somebody about your suicidal ideation. Why you have these thoughts, is there a trigger, how you act when you have them are all questions that you need answers to. Ask Pat would not be able to answer them as we are not medically trained, but  there are organisations available that may be of help in clarifying things for you, like www.yourmentalhealth.ie and www.pieta.ie. 

There are articles on the Childline website on both mental health and Covid-19. It is a great place for you to have a look for information and advice. Some articles in particular could be www.childldine.ie/how-i-feel.ie and www.childline.ie/childline-covid-19-resilience-hub/

The services at Childline are here for you too. We can help you look at the options that are available to you. We are here twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The services are free and confidential.  We don’t trace phone numbers or IP addresses. The Childline phone number is 1800 66 66 66 and the text number is 50101. There is also a web chat which you access through www.childline.ie. 

Reaching out asking for support is a very proactive step, well done! Talking things out is a huge help to everyone. You now know how to contact us, so please feel at ease to do so. There will be somebody waiting at the other end of the phone/computer to chat with you.

Take care and keep safe, 

Pat