The importance of talking to someone if you are feeling down or have concerns about one of your friends was highlighted at a conference for second level students aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding suicide.
Counsellor and suicide survivor Damien Martin told more than 600 students from schools in Cork city that suicide was “a permanent solution to a temporary problem”.
“There is no problem you have that can’t be fixed,” said Mr Martin, who attempted suicide in 2008 by driving through Dublin city with his eyes closed.
Mr Martin decided to dedicate himself to getting well after a family friend, John Quinn, who had lost his son through suicide, said those words to him.
Mr Martin told how he had isolated himself from his family and friends and felt he had nobody to talk to.
“I put my foot to the floor. I drove through Dublin city centre. It’s a miracle I didn’t crash and I didn’t hurt anybody else.”