More than a quarter of people in Ireland say they have nobody to talk to about their problems, according to a survey released by Samaritans on Wednesday.
The survey also shows more than 30 per cent of people can feel overwhelmed by their problems, but that more than 40 per cent are reluctant to burden others with how they’re feeling.
The main reasons for not talking to people include feeling embarrassed, weak or judged, or the fear of being seen as “weird”.
More than 65 per cent of people said they would prefer to speak to a partner or a friend, but 17.3 per cent said they would keep their troubles to themselves, and 12.5 per cent said they prefer to avoid people and spend time alone.
The main topics that bother people are relationships, a big life event, income, family arguments and physical health, with topics such as work, metal health and social life also ranking highly in the survey.
The results of the survey coincide with the launch of the Samaritans’ awareness raising campaign #TalkToUs, which will run throughout July with volunteers holding events and talking to local communities about the work they do and encouraging people to talk to the charity if something is getting to them.
The charity provides emotional support for those who are struggling to cope, including those who have had thought of suicide.
The online survey was carried out between the end of May and beginning of June this year among a panel of more than 300 people not connected with the charity from “all walks of life, ages, and different genders,” according to Samaritans.
Thousands of Samaritans volunteers responded to more than 470,000 calls for help in the Republic of Ireland last year by phone, email, text and face to face in its branches.
Chairperson of the charity and experienced volunteer Jenni McCartney said that talking can help people to see a way through their problems, and should be seen as a sign of strength instead of weakness.
“Everyone’s different and what one person might cope with can easily overwhelm another,” she said.
“Samaritans volunteers are here round the clock every day of the year to listen in confidence about whatever you need to share”.
For more information see samaritans.ie.