Updated 11pm

A CALL MADE at the funeral mass of the three O’Driscoll brothers in Cork for increased efforts to help those experiencing mental health difficulties – in particular young men – has been welcomed by mental health organisations.

There has also been an increase in the number of people contacting helplines in the wake of the suspected murder-suicide in Charleville last week.

In his homily, Father Tom Naughton said that their deaths emphasise the need for young adults to communicate any personal difficulties they might be experiencing.

He said:

If these days have taught us anything at all, they challenge us to continue and to increase our efforts to understand and to assist, specially young males, to communicate the darkness that seems to be increasingly troubling young minds and hearts.

“It is possible that we have never had more activities and recreations, all sorts of noises and acquaintances around us yet, at the same time, it seems that never have people been so lonely and lonesome.

“Why is this the case and what must we do to regain the simple joy of a serene and peaceful mind?”

Helen and Thomas O Driscoll walk in front of the coffins of their children Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, CEO of Console Paul Kelly noted the high rates of suicide in Ireland among young men, and said there was a cultural stigma still attached to coming forward with mental health issues.

“Young men often see it as a weakness. We see it as a strength,” Kelly said.

No one has to suffer in silence. We all go through tough times or crises, it’s part of who we are. They can call a helpline like Console, or ask a friend for a quick chat.

Kelly added that friends can sometimes take the first step by initiating this conversation if they suspect the person is having difficulties.

He also noted that there has been an increase in the number of people contacting Console in the wake of the deaths last week.

“We’ve had people concerned about their friends, or teachers concerned about their pupils,” Kelly explained, “We’ve had a quite a number of parents calling us with any number of concerns.”

We would encourage the increase in callers, we see that as being positive.

Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Helplines

• Console 1800 247 247 – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement)

• Aware 1890 303 302 (depression anxiety)

• Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie - (suicide, self-harm, bereavement)

• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)

• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)