INCREASED DEMAND: Martin O'Sullivan, Centre Manager and Lead Therapist with Pieta in Tralee, says calls for help have increased as the lockdowns go on.

By Michelle Crean

As the country continues to get to grips with COVID, one Kerry charity has seen an exponential increase in its services - however, they too had to pivot their traditional face-to-face crisis service.

The first lockdown saw Pieta - which offers a one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide - shift its client base to phone and video consultations overnight - the second lockdown brought an even bigger increase for help - but this tie around - lockdown three that has had the worst impact on peoples' mental health.

This week, Editor Michelle Crean spoke to Martin O'Sullivan, Centre Manager and Lead Therapist with Pieta based in Tralee about how it's impacting their services.

"Last March, pretty much overnight, straight away every client had to switch to phone and video therapy," Martin explained.

"80 percent of the work is phone and video consultations at the moment. There's a massive jump in the over 18s but also people in their 40s who are seeking help."

While phone and video is an option for clients, Martin said that the seven therapists at the centre in Tralee are available for in-person counselling face to face in a Covid-safe environment and that those who have an appointment can travel past their 5k if necessary.

"Kerry has always been a busy centre but it has increased: during the first lockdown it was up 20 percent on last year. The second lockdown demand for services was higher, and this third lockdown it's higher again. It's the first time in history so many things have shut down. At first it was a novelty being at home, the sun was shining and people had jobs to do. As it goes on all of a sudden people are finding themselves at home with the kids all day, people who were out of work in the beginning may still be out of work, kids are missing their friends and people are stuck in a bubble and miss connecting with theirs. Then there's the people who have the anxiety of catching COVID; there is a huge fear there especially the new second strand."

He added that Pieta is there to help, people just have to reach out and seek it.

There's a 24 hour helpline which can be accessed by calling 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

All services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.