Teens seeking help from Pieta House up 40%

THE number of under 18s seeking support from Pieta has increased by over 40 per cent in 2021, according to the suicide and self-harm prevention charity.

Figures released by the group indicate the number of young people in need of services is now higher than it was in previous years and has more than doubled from this time last year.

Pieta first opened its doors in Lucan in 2006, and now operates 20 centres across Ireland.

They say demand for suicide ideation and self-harm crisis support continues to grow at their centres, 24/7 Crisis Helpline, and online therapy service, with overall demand for Pieta services up by 22 per cent since last year.

Emma Dolan, Pieta’s Clinical Director said: “Typically, we see a decrease in our under 18s 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,” he said.

Pieta is 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 – launching it’s Know the Signs Campaign this week.

The recruitment of psychotherapists has been, in the most part, a direct result of public donations to Pieta, according to Elaine Austin, Pieta CEO.

“We are deeply grateful to every one of our supporters for their unwavering commitment and support,” she said.