Editorial: Walking from Darkness into Light remains vital for Pieta and breaking down stigma

Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, wrote ahead of last weekend's Darkness into Light that it remains vitally important that we talk openly, support one another, and remember what’s at the heart of Darkness Into Light.

Each year, thousands of people are impacted by suicide in Ireland, with the average figure of deaths a staggering 500 per year. 

In 2024, Pieta provided 1,429 free therapy hours to clients in Waterford alone, as well as hundreds more across the country. 

To bring these statistics home, pause for a moment to consider that one in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. 

"These aren’t just numbers - behind each statistic is a son or daughter, a friend, a grandparent, a colleague," said Ms Manahan.

Each life lost leaves behind a trail of grief for families and communities. 

And yet, so many of these deaths can be prevented.

We are all familiar with the slogan, 'it's ok not to be ok', but how active are we in truly embracing this concept, whether it be with ourselves or our loved ones, friends, family members, work colleagues, school and club peers.

Ms Manahan says it starts with having open, honest conversations about suicide and self-harm, "not just within families or friend groups, but across the entire fabric of society - from schools and workplaces to boardrooms and the halls of government".

This year, in the lead-in to Darkness Into Light, Pieta said that registrations for those participating in the key fundraiser were down by up to 40%. It was therefore heartening to see, on the morning itself, thousands of Waterfordians turning out in the familiar yellow t-shirts to take part at the RSC.

Each of these participants was contributing to a pathway for an individual in our community who needs support. 

The act of getting up so early - alarm clocks set for 3am and even earlier - and joining people, neighbours, friends, strangers, in an outpouring of support and solidarity means something. It is an acknowledgement that we are willing to and must tackle suicide and self-harm together. It is also powerfully symbolic, as the darkness of night slowly and gently eases into the dawning of the new day. 

This year, with the weather supportive in itself, the walk was all the more potent, gentle even, despite the chill of the early morning and tired limbs, as birdsong beckoned the dawning of a gloriously beautiful, sunny day.       

Ireland and Waterford still has a long road to go in terms of the adequate provision of services for people struggling with their mental health. It remains one of the most challenging steps to take - for a person to reach out when they need support. It is incumbent that when a person does reach out for help, that they are met with the complete tools and support they need. From there, hope can find its way. 

We'll leave the last words on the matter to Ms Manahan: "If we truly want to turn the tide on suicide, we need a whole-of-society approach. We need compassion, courage, and commitment - from communities, from businesses, from schools, and from our leaders. Let’s walk together. Let’s talk openly. Let’s ensure that no one feels they have to face their darkest moments alone."