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In 2016, Ireland has the [[List of countries by suicide rate|66th highest suicide rate in the world]], according to the [[World Health Organization|World Health Organisation]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.MHSUICIDEASDRv?lang=en|title=Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized Estimates by country|last=|first=|date=|website=WHO|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> It has the 10th highest suicide rate in the EU in 2014, according to the [[OECD]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.oecd.org/healthstat/suicide-rates.htm|title=Suicide rates|last=|first=|date=2016|website=OECD data|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
'''Suicide in Ireland''' has been becoming a cause for concern, especially among youths.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/connecting-for-life-irelands-national-strategy-to-reduce-suicide-2015-2020/|title=Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020 {{!}} Department of Health|last=|first=|date=24 June 2015|year=2015|website=Department of Health|publisher=Department of Health|page=x|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-05-31}}</ref> Between the years of 2007 and 2011, Ireland has the 4th highest suicide rate among youths aged 15 to 19.<ref name=":2" /> Ireland has the [[List of countries by suicide rate|66th highest suicide rate in the world]], according to the [[World Health Organization|World Health Organisation]] and the 10th highest suicide rate in the EU according to the [[OECD]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.MHSUICIDEASDRv?lang=en|title=Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized Estimates by country|last=|first=|date=|website=WHO|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.oecd.org/healthstat/suicide-rates.htm|title=Suicide rates|last=|first=|date=2016|website=OECD data|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>


Suicide rates in Ireland were considered to be low as compared to other European countries, not until under-reporting of suicide cases were recognised in the mid 1990s.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Malone|first=Kevin|date=2013|title=Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008|url=|journal=Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008|volume=|pages=13|via=}}</ref> Societal norms and the stigmatization of suicide were seen to be factors that contributed to the cause of under-reported suicide cases.<ref name=":0" /> Until the 1990s, Ireland was predominantly populated by Catholics and people were considered to be highly devoted in their religion.<ref name=":0" /> Due to religious beliefs, committing suicide was regarded as a deadly sin and a punishable crime by official law until it was decriminalised in 1993.<ref name=":0" /> In 2003, a research survey called "Suicide in Ireland Survey" was conducted on families who volunteered to share information of their loved ones who lost their lives to suicide with ages below 35.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Malone|first=Kevin|date=2013|title=Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008|url=https://www.3ts.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Suicide-in-Ireland-Survey-2003-2008-Report.pdf|journal=Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008|publisher=3Ts|publication-place=Dublin|volume=|pages=19|via=}}</ref> Following a statistical analysis of the survey, it was revealed through the coroners report that 90 out of 104 cases were Catholics.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/19860/1/Suicide-in-Ireland-Survey-2003-2008-Report.pdf|title=Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008|last=Malone|first=Kevin|publisher=3Ts|year=2013|isbn=|location=|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|pages=22}}</ref>
Suicide rates in Ireland were considered relatively low as compared to other European countries.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Malone|first=Kevin|date=2013|title=Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008|url=|journal=Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008|volume=|pages=13|via=}}</ref> However, suicide rates has been rising constantly since the 1980s and in 2009, suicide rates of people under 25 years old was ranked the 4th highest in the EU, with a rate of 14.4 per 100,000 population.<ref name=":0" />

Suicide rates have been rising consistently since the late 1980s and in 2009, the suicide rate of people under the age of 25 years old was ranked the 4th highest in the EU, with a rate of 14.4 per 100,000 population, with youth suicide rates in Lithuania, Estonia and Finland ranking first, second and third respectively.<ref name=":0" />


{{Suicide sidebar}}
{{Suicide sidebar}}
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In the latest data available, in 2016, the suicide rate of males were 17.6 per 100,000 population and 4.2 per 100,000 population for females.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.MHSUICIDEASDRv?lang=en|title=Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized Estimates by country|last=|first=|date=2016|website=World Health Organisation|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
In the latest data available, in 2016, the suicide rate of males were 17.6 per 100,000 population and 4.2 per 100,000 population for females.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.MHSUICIDEASDRv?lang=en|title=Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized Estimates by country|last=|first=|date=2016|website=World Health Organisation|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>


In a period between 2001 and 2014, the highest suicide rate was found to be males ranging from the ages of 45 to 54, with a rate of 32.3 per 100,000 population and the lowest suicide rate was males aged 65 and above in 2012.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|date=2015|title=Connecting for life: Ireland's national strategy to reduce suicide 2015–2020.|url=|journal=Health Service Executive|volume=|pages=77|via=}}</ref> On the other hand, the suicide rate among females aged between 45 and 54 was highest in 2012, at a number of 7.1 per 100,000 population.<ref name=":2" /> The lowest suicide rate among females was found to be ages between 65 and above.<ref name=":2" />
In a period between 2001 and 2014, the highest suicide rate was found to be males ranging from the ages of 45 to 54, with a rate of 32.3 per 100,000 population and the lowest suicide rate was males aged 65 and above in 2012.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/connecting-for-life-irelands-national-strategy-to-reduce-suicide-2015-2020/|title=Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020|last=|first=|date=24 June 2015|year=2015|website=Department of Health|publisher=Department of Health|page=77|format=PDF|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> On the other hand, the suicide rate among females aged between 45 and 54 was highest in 2012, at a number of 7.1 per 100,000 population.<ref name=":3" /> The lowest suicide rate among females was found to be ages between 65 and above.<ref name=":3" />


== Methods ==
== Methods ==
Methods of suicide in Ireland were found to be through overdosing, poisoning, hanging, drowning, the use of firearms and cutting.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/connecting-for-life-irelands-national-strategy-to-reduce-suicide-2015-2020/|title=Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020|last=|first=|date=24 June 2015|year=2015|website=Department of Health|publisher=Department of Health|page=4|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
The most common method used for suicide is hanging.


It was found that hanging is the most popular method used for suicide as it is quick and easy to carry out.<ref name=":1" />
The most common method used for suicide is hanging for both men and women in Ireland.<ref name=":4" />

It was found that hanging was deemed to be the most popular method used for suicide as it is quick and easy to carry out.<ref name=":1" />


However, self poisoning was found to be the method more approached by adults.<ref name=":1" /> This includes drug overdose and carbon monoxide poisoning.<ref name=":1" />
However, self poisoning was found to be the method more approached by adults.<ref name=":1" /> This includes drug overdose and carbon monoxide poisoning.<ref name=":1" />


== Self harm ==
== Self harm ==
Incidences of self harm were also becoming notable. In a time period between 2007 and 2010, there has been a 20% rise in the occurrences of self-harm in Ireland.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|date=2015|title=Connecting for life: Ireland's national strategy to reduce suicide 2015–2020.|url=|journal=Health Service Executive|volume=|pages=80|via=}}</ref> Self harm among men had the largest increase, with a number of 162 to 211 per 100,000 population, which is an increase of 30%.<ref name=":3" /> During the same period, rate of self harm among women had an increase of 10%.<ref name=":3" /> Although both genders had an increase in the rate of self harm, the gap between them were becoming less prominent.<ref name=":3" />
Incidences of self harm were also becoming notable.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/connecting-for-life-irelands-national-strategy-to-reduce-suicide-2015-2020/|title=Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020 {{!}} Department of Health|last=|first=|date=24 June 2015|website=Department of Health|publisher=Department of Health|page=5|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-05-31}}</ref> Between 2003 to 2013, data collected from the National Registry of Deliberate Self-Harm (NRDSH) of self-harm in hospitals showed that the use of highly lethal methods was becoming increasingly significant in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nsrf.ie/wp-content/uploads/reports/NSRF%20Registry%20Web.pdf|title=NATIONAL REGISTRY OF DELIBERATE SELF HARM IRELAND|last=Griffin|first=Eve|last2=Arensman|first2=Ella|date=2012|year=|website=|publisher=National Suicide Research Foundation|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=|last3=Corcoran|first3=Paul|last4=Wall|first4=Amanda|last5=Williamson|first5=Eileen|last6=Perry|first6=Ivan}}</ref> Additionally, it has been observed that between 2007 and 2010, there has been a 20% rise in the occurrences of self-harm in Ireland.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/connecting-for-life-irelands-national-strategy-to-reduce-suicide-2015-2020/|title=Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020 {{!}} Department of Health|last=|first=|date=24 June 2015|website=Department of Health|publisher=Department of Health|page=80|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-05-31}}</ref> Self harm among men had the largest increase, with a number of 162 to 211 per 100,000 population, which is an increase of 30%.<ref name=":8" /> During the same period, rate of self harm among women had an increase of 10%.<ref name=":8" /> Although both genders had an increase in the rate of self harm, the gap between them were becoming less prominent.<ref name=":8" />


First cases of self-harm inflicted by individuals pose as a high risk for it is often led by repeated forms of similar behaviours.<ref name=":7" /> According to NRDSH, patients who inflicted self-harm in a past record of 5 times of more, 82% of them were found engaging in repeated forms of self-harm behaviour within a period of three months, since their last hospital admission for the reason of inflicting self-harm.<ref name=":8" />
⚫
The [[Post-2008 Irish economic downturn|economic recession in Ireland]] had its effects on the working age group. The period of economic recession between 2008 and 2013, the largest increase in self harm rate were men aged 45 to 54, which is an increase of 11% and women aged 15 to 24, with an increase of 12%, followed by women aged 45 to 64, with an increase of 7%.<ref name=":3" />

⚫
The [[Post-2008 Irish economic downturn|economic recession in Ireland]] had its effects on the working age group. The period of economic recession between 2008 and 2013, the largest increase in self harm rate were men aged 45 to 54, which is an increase of 11% and women aged 15 to 24, with an increase of 12%, followed by women aged 45 to 64, with an increase of 7%.<ref name=":8" />


== Behavioural causes ==
== Behavioural causes ==
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In a 2013 study done by Long and Mongan, it was shown that people aged 18 to 24 in Ireland had a high chance of binge drinking compared to people aged 25 to 34.<ref name=":1" /> Studies have also revealed that binge drinking possibly leads to various issues such as suicidal behaviour and inability to concentrate in school or work.<ref name=":1" /> It was reported that the relationship between binge drinking and suicidal behaviour was highly significant among younger teenagers aged 13 and below as compared to older teenagers.<ref name=":1" />
In a 2013 study done by Long and Mongan, it was shown that people aged 18 to 24 in Ireland had a high chance of binge drinking compared to people aged 25 to 34.<ref name=":1" /> Studies have also revealed that binge drinking possibly leads to various issues such as suicidal behaviour and inability to concentrate in school or work.<ref name=":1" /> It was reported that the relationship between binge drinking and suicidal behaviour was highly significant among younger teenagers aged 13 and below as compared to older teenagers.<ref name=":1" />


=== Societal norms ===
<br />
=== Mental health issues ===
=== Mental health issues ===
Studies have shown that suicides that occur in countries that earn higher income had a higher chance of having mental health issues.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cavanagh|first=Johnathan|last2=Carson|first2=Alan|last3=Sharpe|first3=Michael|last4=Lawrie|first4=Stephen|date=2003|title=Psychological autopsy studies of suicide: a systematic review|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10798556_Psychological_Autopsy_Studies_of_Suicide_A_Systematic_Review|journal=Psychological Medicine|volume=|pages=395-405|via=}}</ref> Furthermore, depression was highly associated to suicidal behaviour.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|date=2015|title=Connecting for life: Ireland's national strategy to reduce suicide 2015–2020.|url=|journal=Health Service Executive|volume=|pages=98|via=}}</ref>
Studies have shown that suicides that occur in countries that earn higher income had a higher chance of having mental health issues.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cavanagh|first=Johnathan|last2=Carson|first2=Alan|last3=Sharpe|first3=Michael|last4=Lawrie|first4=Stephen|date=2003|title=Psychological autopsy studies of suicide: a systematic review|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10798556_Psychological_Autopsy_Studies_of_Suicide_A_Systematic_Review|journal=Psychological Medicine|volume=|pages=395-405|via=}}</ref> Furthermore, depression was highly associated to suicidal behaviour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/connecting-for-life-irelands-national-strategy-to-reduce-suicide-2015-2020/|title=Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020|last=|first=|date=24 June 2015|year=2015|website=|publisher=Department of Health|page=98|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> This has been a main form of issue faced by the LGBT community in Ireland. <ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/connecting-for-life/publications/lgbt-ireland-pdf.pdf|title=The LGBTI Ireland report|last=|first=|date=|year=2016|website=|publisher=GLEN and BeLonG|page=3|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>

== Discrimination towards the LGBT community ==
Historically, due to the fact that Ireland was predominantly populated by Catholics, people had opposing views of the [[LGBT]] community and showed signs of oppressive towards them.<ref name=":9" /> However, in the recent decades, Ireland has shown changes in the shift towards supporting legal rights of the LGBT community.<ref name=":9" /> In 2016, a national research was conducted to study the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBT) people in Ireland, focusing on Irish youths.<ref name=":9" /> Through the study, it was reported that a high proportion of participants displayed a healthy state of mind where they were content with their lives, had good self-esteem and expressed happiness.<ref name=":9" /> Additionally, a majority of Irish citizens were highly supportive and had positive views on LGBT people.<ref name=":9" />

Despite the positive signs of societal changes, the study has discovered that participants below the the age of 25 displayed less optimism, showing lower levels of happiness and even signs of suicidal behaviour and infliction of self-harm.<ref name=":9" /> Compared to the study of mental health of youths, LGBT youths were twice as likely to inflicting self-harm, thrice as likely to attempt suicide and 4 times more likely to feel stress, anxiety and depression.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/ResearchDocs/Ireland/2016/The_LGBTIreland_Report_-_Key_Findings.pdf|title=The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings|last=|first=|date=2016|website=|publisher=GLEN and BeLonG|page=3|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> It was noticed that youth participants were also showing high levels of anxiety, stress and depression which explains the cause for their dangerous behaviour.<ref name=":9" /> Research has shown that the ages of 12 to 16 were the most common ages for youths to first discover their sexual identity and come out but 1 out of 4 people were not ready to reveal their LGBT identity to their parents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/ResearchDocs/Ireland/2016/The_LGBTIreland_Report_-_Key_Findings.pdf|title=The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings|last=|first=|date=|year=2016|website=|publisher=GLEN and BeLonG|page=4|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> The reason for this was the fear of being rejection by close family and friends and the harassment and discrimination they had to face from others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/ResearchDocs/Ireland/2016/The_LGBTIreland_Report_-_Key_Findings.pdf|title=The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings|last=|first=|date=|year=2016|website=|publisher=GLEN and BeLonG|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> LGBT people faced higher levels of harassment and violence in public spaces whereby 1 out of 3 gay men and 1 out of 4 transgender and intersex people were physically hit or attacked.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/ResearchDocs/Ireland/2016/The_LGBTIreland_Report_-_Key_Findings.pdf|title=The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings|last=|first=|date=|year=2016|website=|publisher=GLEN and BeLonG|page=9|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> As such, LGBT people also feared showing love and affection towards their partners in public spaces with 1 out of 3 LGBT people feeling comfortable displaying love of affection in public spaces.<ref name=":10" /> School bullying was also common fear for LGBT people to reveal their sexual identify whereby 67% of LGBT students witness such acts and 50% of these students felt personally attacked due to bullying that arose from anti-LGBT views.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/ResearchDocs/Ireland/2016/The_LGBTIreland_Report_-_Key_Findings.pdf|title=The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings|last=|first=|date=|year=2016|website=|publisher=GLEN and BeLonG|page=8|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> In relations to suicidal behaviour, there was a significant number of LGBT people who did not attempt to seek help as 40% LGBT who have inflicted self-harm and 30% attempted suicide did not try to reach out for help and support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/ResearchDocs/Ireland/2016/The_LGBTIreland_Report_-_Key_Findings.pdf|title=The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings|last=|first=|date=|year=2016|website=|publisher=GLEN and BeLonG|page=10|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>


== Responses ==
== Responses ==
With the aims of reducing suicide rates through bringing mental health awareness towards the public, a national strategy called "Connecting for Life" was introduced in 2014 by the former Minister for Primary Care, Social Care and Mental Health, [[Kathleen Lynch (politician)|Kathleen Lynch T.D]].<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2015|title=Connecting for life: Ireland's national strategy to reduce suicide 2015–2020.|url=|journal=Connecting for life|publisher=Health Service Executive|volume=|pages=14|via=}}</ref> "Connecting for Life" was further developed through Ireland's first suicide prevention strategy called "Reach Out" which was developed in 2005 and carried forward until 2014<ref>{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=2015|title=Connecting for life: Ireland's national strategy to reduce suicide 2015–2020.|url=|journal=Connecting for life|publisher=Health Service Executive|volume=|pages=14|via=}}</ref>. The strategy involves the efforts of the government, national agencies and organisations, including the [[Health Service Executive]] (HSE) and National Youth Council of Ireland. It includes a wide range of health and social polices that promotes well-being and emphasises the importance of mental health. This includes studying the public's awareness and their understanding of mental health, the provision of online mental health support services and information and campaigns to reduce suicidal behaviour.
With the aims of reducing suicide rates through bringing mental health awareness towards the public, a national strategy called "Connecting for Life" was introduced in 2014 by the former Minister for Primary Care, Social Care and Mental Health, [[Kathleen Lynch (politician)|Kathleen Lynch T.D]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/connecting-for-life-irelands-national-strategy-to-reduce-suicide-2015-2020/|title=Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020|last=|first=|date=24 June 2015|year=2015|website=Department of Health|publisher=Department of Health|publication-place=Dublin, Ireland|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> "Connecting for Life" was further developed through Ireland's first suicide prevention strategy called "Reach Out" which was developed in 2005 and carried forward until 2014.<ref name=":11" /> The strategy involves the efforts of the government, national agencies and organisations, including the [[Health Service Executive]] (HSE) and National Youth Council of Ireland. It includes a wide range of health and social polices that promotes well-being and emphasises the importance of mental health. This includes studying the public's awareness and their understanding of mental health, the provision of online mental health support services and information and campaigns to reduce suicidal behaviour.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 13:22, 31 May 2019

Suicide in Ireland has been becoming a cause for concern, especially among youths.[1] Between the years of 2007 and 2011, Ireland has the 4th highest suicide rate among youths aged 15 to 19.[1] Ireland has the 66th highest suicide rate in the world, according to the World Health Organisation and the 10th highest suicide rate in the EU according to the OECD.[2][3]

Suicide rates in Ireland were considered to be low as compared to other European countries, not until under-reporting of suicide cases were recognised in the mid 1990s.[1][4] Societal norms and the stigmatization of suicide were seen to be factors that contributed to the cause of under-reported suicide cases.[4] Until the 1990s, Ireland was predominantly populated by Catholics and people were considered to be highly devoted in their religion.[4] Due to religious beliefs, committing suicide was regarded as a deadly sin and a punishable crime by official law until it was decriminalised in 1993.[4] In 2003, a research survey called "Suicide in Ireland Survey" was conducted on families who volunteered to share information of their loved ones who lost their lives to suicide with ages below 35.[5] Following a statistical analysis of the survey, it was revealed through the coroners report that 90 out of 104 cases were Catholics.[6]

Suicide rates have been rising consistently since the late 1980s and in 2009, the suicide rate of people under the age of 25 years old was ranked the 4th highest in the EU, with a rate of 14.4 per 100,000 population, with youth suicide rates in Lithuania, Estonia and Finland ranking first, second and third respectively.[4]

Suicide
Social aspects
Crisis
Types and methods
Epidemiology
History
In warfare
Related phenomena
By country
Organizations

Statistics

Age group comparisons of suicides rates in Ireland from 1990 to 2017.[7]

Age

Although age standardised suicide rate in Ireland were relatively low both globally and in the EU, youth suicide rates has been seen to be notable. This was shown especially in 2012, when suicide rates among young people aged between 15 to 29 were significantly high. This age group accounted for 8.5% of all suicide deaths in Ireland.[8]

Comparison between male and female suicide rates in Ireland from 1950 to 2004.[9]

Gender

On average, suicide among men were seen to be significantly higher than suicide among women. Men were at least 4 times more suicidal than women[2].

In the latest data available, in 2016, the suicide rate of males were 17.6 per 100,000 population and 4.2 per 100,000 population for females.[10]

In a period between 2001 and 2014, the highest suicide rate was found to be males ranging from the ages of 45 to 54, with a rate of 32.3 per 100,000 population and the lowest suicide rate was males aged 65 and above in 2012.[11] On the other hand, the suicide rate among females aged between 45 and 54 was highest in 2012, at a number of 7.1 per 100,000 population.[11] The lowest suicide rate among females was found to be ages between 65 and above.[11]

Methods

Methods of suicide in Ireland were found to be through overdosing, poisoning, hanging, drowning, the use of firearms and cutting.[12]

The most common method used for suicide is hanging for both men and women in Ireland.[12]

It was found that hanging was deemed to be the most popular method used for suicide as it is quick and easy to carry out.[8]

However, self poisoning was found to be the method more approached by adults.[8] This includes drug overdose and carbon monoxide poisoning.[8]

Self harm

Incidences of self harm were also becoming notable.[13] Between 2003 to 2013, data collected from the National Registry of Deliberate Self-Harm (NRDSH) of self-harm in hospitals showed that the use of highly lethal methods was becoming increasingly significant in 2004.[14] Additionally, it has been observed that between 2007 and 2010, there has been a 20% rise in the occurrences of self-harm in Ireland.[15] Self harm among men had the largest increase, with a number of 162 to 211 per 100,000 population, which is an increase of 30%.[15] During the same period, rate of self harm among women had an increase of 10%.[15] Although both genders had an increase in the rate of self harm, the gap between them were becoming less prominent.[15]

First cases of self-harm inflicted by individuals pose as a high risk for it is often led by repeated forms of similar behaviours.[13] According to NRDSH, patients who inflicted self-harm in a past record of 5 times of more, 82% of them were found engaging in repeated forms of self-harm behaviour within a period of three months, since their last hospital admission for the reason of inflicting self-harm.[15]

The economic recession in Ireland had its effects on the working age group. The period of economic recession between 2008 and 2013, the largest increase in self harm rate were men aged 45 to 54, which is an increase of 11% and women aged 15 to 24, with an increase of 12%, followed by women aged 45 to 64, with an increase of 7%.[15]

Behavioural causes

Socioeconomic factors

Economic downturns were seen to have its relation to suicidal behaviour. Unemployment in Ireland was estimated to be around 4% between 2000 to 2007.[16] However, in 2008, with the economic recession in Ireland, unemployment grew by twice.[16] In 2012, unemployment rates became worse at 15%[16] and Ireland experienced one of the highest rates of emigration as it became highly indebted among the EU members[16]. With the increasing levels of unemployment and increasing debt in the post-recession period, suicide was significant among men, especially those who were in their working ages[16].

In 2016, Ireland was the 6th highest beer consuming country.[17]

Alcohol and substance abuse

Ireland has had one of the highest alcohol consumption rate in Europe. According to WHO data in 2010, it is the 21st highest alcohol consumption, with a rate of 11.9 litres per capita.[18]

Alcohol and substance abuse related issues were recognised in 22% of suicide cases in Ireland.[19]

In a 2013 study done by Long and Mongan, it was shown that people aged 18 to 24 in Ireland had a high chance of binge drinking compared to people aged 25 to 34.[8] Studies have also revealed that binge drinking possibly leads to various issues such as suicidal behaviour and inability to concentrate in school or work.[8] It was reported that the relationship between binge drinking and suicidal behaviour was highly significant among younger teenagers aged 13 and below as compared to older teenagers.[8]

Societal norms


Mental health issues

Studies have shown that suicides that occur in countries that earn higher income had a higher chance of having mental health issues.[20] Furthermore, depression was highly associated to suicidal behaviour.[21] This has been a main form of issue faced by the LGBT community in Ireland. [22]

Discrimination towards the LGBT community

Historically, due to the fact that Ireland was predominantly populated by Catholics, people had opposing views of the LGBT community and showed signs of oppressive towards them.[22] However, in the recent decades, Ireland has shown changes in the shift towards supporting legal rights of the LGBT community.[22] In 2016, a national research was conducted to study the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBT) people in Ireland, focusing on Irish youths.[22] Through the study, it was reported that a high proportion of participants displayed a healthy state of mind where they were content with their lives, had good self-esteem and expressed happiness.[22] Additionally, a majority of Irish citizens were highly supportive and had positive views on LGBT people.[22]

Despite the positive signs of societal changes, the study has discovered that participants below the the age of 25 displayed less optimism, showing lower levels of happiness and even signs of suicidal behaviour and infliction of self-harm.[22] Compared to the study of mental health of youths, LGBT youths were twice as likely to inflicting self-harm, thrice as likely to attempt suicide and 4 times more likely to feel stress, anxiety and depression.[23] It was noticed that youth participants were also showing high levels of anxiety, stress and depression which explains the cause for their dangerous behaviour.[22] Research has shown that the ages of 12 to 16 were the most common ages for youths to first discover their sexual identity and come out but 1 out of 4 people were not ready to reveal their LGBT identity to their parents.[24] The reason for this was the fear of being rejection by close family and friends and the harassment and discrimination they had to face from others.[25] LGBT people faced higher levels of harassment and violence in public spaces whereby 1 out of 3 gay men and 1 out of 4 transgender and intersex people were physically hit or attacked.[26] As such, LGBT people also feared showing love and affection towards their partners in public spaces with 1 out of 3 LGBT people feeling comfortable displaying love of affection in public spaces.[26] School bullying was also common fear for LGBT people to reveal their sexual identify whereby 67% of LGBT students witness such acts and 50% of these students felt personally attacked due to bullying that arose from anti-LGBT views.[27] In relations to suicidal behaviour, there was a significant number of LGBT people who did not attempt to seek help as 40% LGBT who have inflicted self-harm and 30% attempted suicide did not try to reach out for help and support.[28]

Responses

With the aims of reducing suicide rates through bringing mental health awareness towards the public, a national strategy called "Connecting for Life" was introduced in 2014 by the former Minister for Primary Care, Social Care and Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch T.D.[29] "Connecting for Life" was further developed through Ireland's first suicide prevention strategy called "Reach Out" which was developed in 2005 and carried forward until 2014.[29] The strategy involves the efforts of the government, national agencies and organisations, including the Health Service Executive (HSE) and National Youth Council of Ireland. It includes a wide range of health and social polices that promotes well-being and emphasises the importance of mental health. This includes studying the public's awareness and their understanding of mental health, the provision of online mental health support services and information and campaigns to reduce suicidal behaviour.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Connecting for Life – Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020 | Department of Health". Department of Health. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Health. 24 June 2015. p. x. Retrieved 2019-05-31. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  2. ^ a b "Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized Estimates by country". WHO. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  3. ^ "Suicide rates". OECD data. 2016. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e Malone, Kevin (2013). "Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008". Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008: 13.
  5. ^ Malone, Kevin (2013). "Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008" (PDF). Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008. Dublin: 3Ts: 19.
  6. ^ Malone, Kevin (2013). Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008 (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: 3Ts. p. 22.
  7. ^ Ortiz-Ospina, Esteban; Roser, Max; Lee, Lindsay (2015-06-15). "Suicide". Our World in Data.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Arensman, Ella; Bennardi, Marco; Larkin, Celine; Wall, Amanda; McAuliffe, Carmel; McCarthy, Jacklyn; Williamson, Eileen; Perry, Ivan J. (November 29, 2016). "Suicide among Young People and Adults in Ireland: Method Characteristics, Toxicological Analysis and Substance Abuse Histories Compared". Suicide among Young People and Adults in Ireland: Method Characteristics, Toxicological Analysis and Substance Abuse Histories Compared: 1–14 – via PLoS ONE.
  9. ^ Ortiz-Ospina, Esteban; Roser, Max; Lee, Lindsay (2015-06-15). "Suicide". Our World in Data.
  10. ^ "Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized Estimates by country". World Health Organisation. 2016. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  11. ^ a b c "Connecting for Life – Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020" (PDF). Department of Health. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Health. 24 June 2015. p. 77. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  12. ^ a b "Connecting for Life – Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020". Department of Health. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Health. 24 June 2015. p. 4. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  13. ^ a b "Connecting for Life – Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020 | Department of Health". Department of Health. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Health. 24 June 2015. p. 5. Retrieved 2019-05-31. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  14. ^ Griffin, Eve; Arensman, Ella; Corcoran, Paul; Wall, Amanda; Williamson, Eileen; Perry, Ivan (2012). "NATIONAL REGISTRY OF DELIBERATE SELF HARM IRELAND" (PDF). National Suicide Research Foundation. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  15. ^ a b c d e f "Connecting for Life – Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020 | Department of Health". Department of Health. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Health. 24 June 2015. p. 80. Retrieved 2019-05-31. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  16. ^ a b c d e Corcoran, Paul; Griffin, Eve; Arensman, Ella; Fitzgerald, Anthony P; Perry, Ivan J (2015). "Impact of the economic recession and subsequent austerity on suicide and self-harm in Ireland: An interrupted time series analysis" (PDF). International Journal of Epidemiology. 2015: 1–9.
  17. ^ "Kirin Beer University Report Global Beer Consumption by Country in 2016 | 2017 | News Releases | Kirin Holdings". www.kirinholdings.co.jp. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
  18. ^ "Alcohol Consumption" (PDF). World Health Organisation. 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  19. ^ "Connecting for life: Ireland's national strategy to reduce suicide 2015–2020". Health Service Executive: 99. 2015.
  20. ^ Cavanagh, Johnathan; Carson, Alan; Sharpe, Michael; Lawrie, Stephen (2003). "Psychological autopsy studies of suicide: a systematic review". Psychological Medicine: 395–405.
  21. ^ "Connecting for Life – Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020". Dublin, Ireland: Department of Health. 24 June 2015. p. 98. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h "The LGBTI Ireland report" (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG. 2016. p. 3. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  23. ^ "The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings" (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG. 2016. p. 3. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  24. ^ "The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings" (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG. 2016. p. 4. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  25. ^ "The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings" (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG. 2016. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  26. ^ a b "The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings" (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG. 2016. p. 9. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  27. ^ "The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings" (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG. 2016. p. 8. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  28. ^ "The LGBT Ireland Report: Key Findings" (PDF). Dublin, Ireland: GLEN and BeLonG. 2016. p. 10. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  29. ^ a b "Connecting for Life – Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020". Department of Health. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Health. 24 June 2015. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)


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