Opinion: Darkness Into Light is a symbol of hope - but we must not forget why it’s so important

Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, writes about why it remains vitally important to talk openly, support one another, and remember what’s at the heart of Darkness Into Light.

It’s never been more important for communities across Louth to support Darkness into Light as thousands are impacted by suicide in Ireland each year. In 2024, Pieta provided 718 free therapy hours to clients in Louth as well as hundreds more across the country. Each year in Ireland, around 500 people die by suicide. One in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. These aren’t just numbers - behind each statistic is a son or daughter, a friend, a grandparent, a colleague, writes Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity. 

Each life lost leaves behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions for families and communities. And the most painful truth of all? So many of these deaths could be prevented.

It's time to end the silence. We need to start having open, honest conversations about suicide and self-harm. Not just within families or friend groups, but across the entire fabric of society - from schools and workplaces to boardrooms and the halls of government.

On 10th May, Darkness Into Light returns for its 16th year. It remains not only Pieta’s largest fundraising event but also a powerful symbol of hope - a shared statement that we are willing to walk through the dark together, into light. Yet the darkness persists: suicide rates remain stubbornly high, and the demand for mental health support is growing.

The reality is stark. Almost 60% of those who access Pieta’s services are under 25. In an age dominated by social media, online comparison, academic pressures, economic uncertainty, and a seemingly relentless stream of global crises, young people are under extraordinary mental strain. Many are navigating these challenges without the tools or support they need, and the consequences can be devastating.

The reasons someone may feel suicidal or engage in self-harm are complex and deeply personal, but there are common threads. Young people today face pressure academically, socially, and emotionally. The always-on nature of social media can distort self-image and amplify feelings of inadequacy. Many face bullying or exclusion, both online and offline. Others struggle with anxiety about the future - climate change, job insecurity, the housing crisis. For some, it’s the weight of trauma, abuse, identity struggles, or simply the feeling that they don’t belong. Access to timely mental health care remains inconsistent, and stigma still prevents many from reaching out before things become overwhelming.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 34 in Ireland. In 2021, 133 young men in this age bracket died by suicide - along with 39 young women. For a country as small as ours, these are not just shocking figures; they are a national crisis.

Pieta is doing everything it can to meet this crisis head-on. In 2024 alone, we delivered over 51,000 hours of intervention and bereavement counselling and responded to more than 100,000 crisis calls and texts via our 24/7 helpline. But we are an organisation under pressure. The need far outweighs the resources.

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Almost 85% of Pieta’s funding comes from community donations and public fundraising - and we are deeply grateful for every euro raised. 

If we truly want to turn the tide on suicide, we need a whole-of-society approach. We need compassion, courage, and commitment - from communities, from businesses, from schools, and from our leaders.

Let’s walk together. Let’s talk openly. Let’s ensure that no one feels they have to face their darkest moments alone.