Increase In Under 18 Clients At Pieta In 2021, And Overall Number Of People Seeking Therapy Continues To Grow
There has been a significant increase in young people receiving support from Pieta, Ireland’s national suicide and self-harm prevention charity, according to new figures released today.
This year demand for support for under 18s has increased by more than 40%.
The number of young people in need of services is now higher than it was in previous years and has more than doubled on this time last year.
Across Pieta’s 20 centres, 24/7 Crisis Helpline and Online therapy service, the demand for suicide ideation and self-harm crisis support has continued to grow. Overall demand for Pieta’s lifesaving services has grown by 22% since last year.
Emma Dolan, Pieta’s Clinical Director states:
“This summer, Pieta is working with more young people than ever before.
In the past three months demand has been significantly higher than in previous years.
Typically, we see a decrease in our under 18’s attending Pieta over the summer months, however, this year this has not been the case.
While every case is different, we know it’s been a very challenging year for young people, with the additional pandemic uncertainty leading to more anxiety generally.
Children and adolescents are more concerned about their future and we have also seen a rise in body image issues.
Pieta is responding to this increase in demand by hiring more psychotherapists who can work with young people and more therapists to provide our free counselling services.
Since the onset of the pandemic, Pieta has developed phone and video therapy services in addition to providing therapy in its 20 locations nationwide, recognising the impact of Covid and the challenges this environment has had on many of our young people.”
Leigh Kenny, Regional Manager Dublin has seen an increase in the level of young people struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image.
“What is positive is that there are many supports available for young people and their families.
We can see that the past year has presented more than normal challenges for young people, it continues to be a difficult time for them, and we are not yet clear of the full impact of Covid.”
Pieta is also currently working with UCD, supported by the National Office of Suicide Prevention, to research, design and develop better psychoeducation supports for parents of young people experiencing self-harm, and will be shortly launching it’s Know the Signs Campaign in late August.
The campaign raises awareness, helping people to recognise if someone close might be struggling, Emma Dolan, Pieta’s Clinical Director expands:
“It’s critical we all know the signs, for example; if someone is talking about suicide, saying they feel like a burden, withdrawing from friends, or are becoming more anxious.
We encourage people to listen and be present, give reassurance, and to encourage social interaction and a healthy lifestyle.
We also always advise to contact or refer to an appropriate service for help and support, and if the concern is immediate, contact emergency services.
Our crisis helpline is also available 24/7 and we encourage people to reach out to Pieta, help is here, you are not alone.”
Pieta are currently recruiting psychotherapists across all locations to try and meet rising demand and reduce waiting lists, and in particular, support and deliver counselling to Under 18 clients.
This has been, in the most part, as a direct result of public donations to Pieta.
Elaine Austin CEO:
“We are deeply grateful to every one of our supporters for their unwavering commitment and support, it is with their backing that we are able to expand and deliver our lifesaving services to our clients, especially at this time.”
