Speaking at the launch of Darkness into Light - the Pieta House annual fundraiser - the organisation's founder, Joan Freeman, reminded the public that depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Addressing those present at the launch in the Kingsley Hotel, Joan expressed relief that the services offered at Cork's Pieta House have been wholly welcomed and widely utilised since its opening in early 2013.
Paying tribute to Corkonians who have found the courage to seek help and advice for mental health issues, Joan said: "Cork people are fearless about coming to a service like ours. It’s just been fantastic."
"The first day we opened we had one therapist, a month later we had four, and now we have 25. We’re open most nights of the week until 8pm or 9pm," she continued.
Joan insists the right attitude is paramount when it comes to confronting mental illness, saying: "They [Cork people] think the stigma around suicide is ridiculous and that’s what we hope the rest of the country will be like. This county has shown a shining example of how we can look after our own."
Offering an insight into the organisation's statistics, Joan revealed: "The youngest we’ve seen in Cork was about five. That was about self-harm, which is just a behaviour where a child is unable to verbalise their distress. The oldest we’ve seen is someone who is heading for 80."
Since Pieta House first opened its doors in Lucan, Co. Dublin over a decade ago, the organisation has established eight subsequent centres, three in the greater Dublin area and five further centres to cater for the rest of the country.
Find out more about Pieta House here.
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