Kilkenny/Carlow Samaritans are urging people not to let their worries spiral out of control and to seek support for emotional distress this Christmas and during the coming year.
Over half of the population (59 per cent ) in the Republic of Ireland has worried this year about debt and money, according to a survey published today by Samaritans and YouGov, with almost a third of people (29 per cent ) describing 2009 as a bad year or their worst year ever.
The poll of 1,000 people asked the public to identify their five biggest worries over the past year. After money, other top-five sources of anxiety were problems in relationships with family and friends (reported by 38 per cent of people ) and fears about job security (35 per cent ) followed by concerns about physical health (32 per cent ) and domestic politics (28 per cent ).
Samaritans’ director of Ireland Suzanne Costello said, “In the last year, Samaritans received more than 375,000 calls in the Republic of Ireland and many of them were about the worries identified in this survey, with approximately one in every 10 calls linked to financial stress.
“If people don’t talk about their problems, they can build up over time and spiral into more serious emotional distress. Sharing your troubles can be a huge relief and is often the first step to finding a way of coping with the challenges that life throws at all of us. Samaritans’ trained volunteers are available on the national helpline on 1850 60 90 90 24/7 to offer confidential support to anyone feeling anxious, unhappy or distressed this Christmas and throughout the coming year.”
Gina Delaney, director of Kilkenny/Carlow branch, encourages people in the local community to contact Samaritans at any time to receive emotional support.
“Sometimes its easier to talk to someone you don’t know, and sometimes it’s the only option. But whatever the reason, if you are going through a difficult time and need emotional support, pick up the phone, call into the centre in Kilkenny or send an email.”
The contact details locally are 056 7765554and the office is open between 2pm and 8pm The email address is jo@samaritans.org
