Michael Fitzmaurice TD has taken the opportunity to remind people who are feeling down over the Christmas season that help is available.
Michael Fitzmaurice, who is pictured above with members of the Samaritans in Dublin, at the launch of their annual report, said “Christmas is a lovely time of the year for most families and the celebrations are enjoyed by many people but it is also a time of year when many people feel down and depressed. But there is help available for those who may feel under the weather mentally over the holiday period. The Samaritans, Aware and Pieta House, to mention just three organisations, have numbers to contact where people can talk to someone in a non judgemental way. These organisations do wonderful work and it is important to point out that help is out there for people who are distressed or suffering from depression or other mental health issues especially over Christmas.
The Samaritans telephone number is available 24/7 and is 116123. Their number in Athlone is 090-6473133. The Aware helpline is open 10am to 10pm seven days a week on 1800 804848 and Pieta House can be contacted on 1800 247 247.
People who are suffering do not have to do it alone. There is help out there” he concluded.