COMMENT: Let’s look out for each other this Christmas

THE countdown to Christmas is officially underway. Not that we need to be reminded: the daily onslaught of sickly sweet seasonal ads has been coming at us from our TV screens for what seems like months at this stage.

But now that we’re into December, it’s finally OK to talk about Christmas. In our house, once the ‘Late Late Toy Show’ has been and gone, Santa-related conversation seems that bit more acceptable.

But behind the tinsel-tinged celebrations, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for people struggling with life or battling mental health issues. 

The television ads only make matters worse by depicting a Christmas utopia, with picture perfect families unwrapping expensive gifts in luxury homes and eating sumptuous feasts that look like they were prepared by a celebrity chef.

While it is a magical time for families, especially those with young children, Christmas can often exacerbate existing difficulties in people’s lives.

Those on low incomes or dependent on social welfare are put under increased financial strain and many fall prey to unscrupulous moneylenders who charge exorbitant repayment rates, making a bad situation even worse. They would be lost without the assistance of charities like St Vincent de Paul.

In homes where alcohol abuse or domestic violence is an issue, Christmas is a harrowing time. The demand on the ISPCC’s Childline service increases dramatically over the holiday period.

Spare a thought also for the new generation of homeless families cooped up in emergency accommodation this Christmas. Many of them are refugees of the recession; innocent victims of years of property-led greed. The lucky ones will be given prefabs – or modular homes as the Government prefers to call them – to live in.

At this time of year, we all need to play our part in keeping an eye on those we suspect may be vulnerable to self-harm or suicide. 

Thousands of family members and friends of people lost through suicide recently came together to honour the lives of their loved ones at nine Christmas Celebrations of Light, organised by Console, the national suicide prevention and bereavement charity.

Over 459 people lost their lives to suicide in Ireland last year, with the real figure believed to be higher.

Console founder and CEO, Paul Kelly, commented: “The loss of a loved one is always devastating, but when that loss is through suicide it can be so much harder for the families and friends left behind.”

Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide. Freephone 1800 247 247 or visit www.console.ie