El Nino - very sorry for your loss, I cannot imagine what its like to lose a brother -

Do you think the reason it does not get such public exposure (except in Thailand) is because of the 'domino effect' that it gives people ideas?

I have never been a shrinking violet or shy - in fact I would quite happily talk the hind leg off a donkey - so making friends and getting out and about always came naturally to me, but for some people its not that easy -

I think forums like YBIG and supporting the Irish team is a great interest and hobby for people - ok there is sl*gging and the various team rivilary - but in general its a great way to meet people and to travel -

I was so shocked by the atmosphere and camaraderie of euro - even my mam and dad made friends and keep in touch with a couple they met in Poznan from our town but who they never really got to know before euro -

It's a great outlet and gives people something to safe for or to look forward to -

I am back to this again, but never under estimate the positive effects of excercise and training on your mood, endorphins galore after an hour or two doing some physical activity.

Any sort of team sport on a weekly basis is really really positive -

balance in life - a bit of the good the odd bit of the bad - keeping that balance is what leads to a healthy mind and body. If you like food, eat but work it off, if you like a drink why not but run the toxins off the next day -

Kerry has the second highest rate of suicide in the country. I know many people who been affected by it and I just cant explain it. I lost a cousin to it a few years ago and he was only a child really. No signs of depression , loads of friends and seemed to have a very bright future. His parents are active in the fight against suicide and encourage people to come together and talk. Because of them amongst others, Pieta House is supposed to be opening a centre in Kerry shortly. People young and old find it very hard to talk about their feelings and they need to be encouraged to do this. Always be aware

eire77 wrote: Suicide is the most selfish act possible. The pain is felt by those left behind. Harsh but true.

Think this is the view of a lot of people when the word suicide is mentioned.  I don't agree with it, I genuinely believe that people who take their own lives have reached such a point that they do not deem themselves worthy anymore.  Obviously there are cases where somebody drinks too much and they make a decision that can never be reversed, but for those people who have suffered from depression for such a long period of time and finally decide to commit suicide, I really feel in their own minds that they had absolutely no other choice.  It's an illness just as bad as any other you can think of, it should be treated in the same manner.

Facts about Suicide

How many people die by suicide?

1. Around one million people complete suicide each year worldwide. This figure is higher than the combined numbers of people who die by homicide and war. It is also higher than the number of people who die in road traffic accidents in most European countries¹²

eire77 wrote: Suicide is the most selfish act possible. The pain is felt by those left behind. Harsh but true.

Its a terrible illness and still very much a taboo subject for society unfortunately.

Pipscharity.com are a fantastic charity in Belfast. Ive worked on a few documentaries for them and they work very very hard for the community.

Johnner wrote: Lost me best mate to suicide before Christmas .Don't think i will ever get over it. If he could just see the pain he has left behind and his family, his mam and dad are broken. It's just horrendous . I know some people say it's selfish but just imagine the pain you must feel to actually go through with it.  I got a booklet from console called living with suicide and if i had of read it before i think i might have known something was up with him. Every house in Ireland should be issued this booklet because educating yourself on the subject could save someones life.

Sorry to hear that. True what you say about people educating themselves. It could make a great difference. As for losing your buddie all I can say is some day you will be a stronger person for what your going through and hopefully you will never experience it again 

Almost impossible I would say.
It's still not a discussion topic in this country, it's taboo to a certain extent. Yet, there isn't 1 of us I would say that hasn't be affected by it.
Terribly sad, and it's a major issue in this country.

Sorry to hear that.