The Irish community in New York City has been gripped with sadness at the recent spate of suicides within their community. In the last six weeks, three young men, two who were in their mid-thirties, and one who was in his twenties, ended their lives abruptly. The Irish community is saddened at the sudden loss of life and eager to put preventative measures in place for the future.

Although it isn't known what exactly triggered each of these young men to kill themselves, one thing is for sure – the pain they were feeling became too much to deal with and they opted to end it tragically.

One Irish-based suicide survivor spoke to the Irish Voice this week about his attempt to take his own life, and the measures he has since put in place to restore his happiness. David (not his real name) was 32 when he took an overdose seven months ago, just a few days after Christmas. Having suffered with depression since his youth, David said that it was a 12 day drinking binge that gave him the courage to lock himself into his bedroom late one Sunday evening and take a bottle full of tablets.

Thankfully, his brother reached him on time and he survived.

"I would never have dreamed of doing what I did when I was in a sober state of mind, and unfortunately it was a decision that I can never take back," he said.

Now that he has survived his suicide attempt, David said life has been good.

"It's a work in progress but I am so glad to be alive," he said.

David's first step was counseling and taking a course of anti-depressants.

"Now counseling doesn't necessarily work for everyone, but I found it helped me a lot. And I would definitely recommend antidepressants," he said.

"The thing is you just have to be patient with them as they take about four to six weeks before you will feel the benefits of them but I promise you when the time comes the medication will give you a lot of peace and contentment," advises David, admitting that initially he turned his nose up at the idea of a tablet making a person feel better.

Speaking directly to Irish Voice readers who feel life is just too much David has this to say: "All I can say is to try not to carry whatever burdens you all by yourself. Tell someone you can trust, even a complete stranger if you have to. There are also organizations with really good people who can help you through the hard times and start getting you back on your feet again.

Elizabeth Donnelly, social worker at the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers sheds some light on the warning signs people who are suicidal give off.

"There are many signs to watch out for," said Donnelly. "Subtle ones may be withdrawal from friends and family, a dramatic mood change, a sense of worthlessness, increased use of substances, restlessness, anxiety, not sleeping, and the more obvious ones are talks of suicide, pre-occupation of death, looking for ways to die, researching them online maybe."

Donnelly also warns that a person may seem calmer right before a suicide attempt.

"They have made up their mind at this stage that they are going to take their life so they are suddenly feeling happier and calmer," she said.

Donnelly said if a person says they are going to commit suicide then listen to them. "They mean it. Seek professional help immediately. Don't wait," she said.

The Aisling Irish Community Center and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in Yonkers, the Bronx and Queens have social workers available to work with people confidentially.

"You can call us here at the center at any time. We also have an emergency number that can be activated by calling the center," said Donnelly.

"If a person doesn't want to come to the center we can go to them. It's important to talk to someone if you are feeling suicidal. There is help out there and your life can be saved."

The number for the 24-7 suicide prevention hotline for the Samaritans of New York is 212-673-3000.

The number for the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers is 914-237-5121 or 914-237-7121. The number for the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in the Bronx is 718-324-3039 and Queens, 718-478-5502. Donnelly can also be emailed confidentially at elizabeth@aislingcenter.org

The Aisling Center has organized a mass for the families and friends of recent suicide victims which will take place on Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church in Woodlawn.