THE tragedy of suicide came into sharp focus last week, with the news of two deaths at Gortin lakes. Education services and community based organisations are determined that a mechanism must be put in place to prevent further tragedies.

Dermot Lynch, suicide advice and prevention officer with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, has also challenged the conventional wisdom that there is little that people can do and that there are few signs before tragedy strikes.

Speaking to the UH this week, he said that 90% of suicides have prior indicators but that people may not have picked them up, and that whereas some suicides may not be preventable, a good many others are.

Dermot said, "If someone tells you they are suicidal, talk through their thoughts and take them seriously. Someone contemplating suicide is often experiencing emotional turmoil inside - perhaps at one moment wanting to die and the next to live. He/she needs to know that someone can listen to them and understands their pain."

He added, "Allow the person to talk openly about their feelings and how long they have been feeling this way. Show the person you genuinely care - this can often be enough in itself to prevent the person from taking their life at that moment in time.

Take the following three steps: Listen and show you care, use the word suicide - talking about the subject and being open is best, get help and encourage them to seek help from their GP and statutory services."

A statement issued by the Western Suicide Strategy Implementation Group (WSSICG) said, "The loss of young life by suicide is a tragedy that devastates families. It sends ripples through our communities and affects so many people and leaves the question 'Why?'

The statement continued, "It is a matter of great public concern that a growing number of young people are responding to life's difficulties by self-harming and taking their life by suicide. Many of these people have emotional health problems, but only a minority of them seek professional help. Our message is clear – a greater public awareness of the issues surrounding self harm and suicide and of the warning signs among our young can alert people to get the help that is needed earlier."

It concludes, "Every individual faces worries and fears at different times throughout their lives but we want people in this situation to reach out for the help that is there. There is a wide range of organisations that can provide support. We would encourage people who have concerns to contact their GP to discuss their problems and consider referral to the appropriate service."

There are many voluntary organisations which can help in a crisis, these include:

Three Spires Medical Practice 084 4477 350,1 Grange Family Practice 084 4477 3503, Strule Medical Practice 084 4477 3504, Drumragh Medical Practice 084 4477 3813, Samaritans Helpline (Omagh) 24 hours 028 8224 4944, Samaritans National Helpline 24 hours 084 5790 9090, ZEST Healing the Hurt 028 7126 6999, Community Addiction Therapists 028 8283 5351, Rural Support (Listening Ear & Signposting Service) 084 5606 7607, Childline Helpline 0800 1111, AWARE – Defeat Depression 028 7126 0602, Omagh Women's Aid 028 8224 1414, and Nexus Institute – Counselling for men and women who have been sexually abused 028 7126 0566.