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Suicide in Ireland

Emma Tyrrell
Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow

Many of us have contemplated suicide at one time or another. However for most people, it remains just a fleeting thought without real intent or seriousness, a short-lived reaction to depression or a life crisis.

Suicide has become a major health issue in Ireland. Officially over 1,000 people have taken their lives by suicide in this country in the last 3 years. However the real number is known to be much greater. Some experts claim that suicide figures of 700 and 1,400 a year would reflect the figure more accurately - significantly more than the numbers killed annually in road traffic accidents. In any event, the official suicide figures must be seen purely as a baseline. If as many people were killed in a plane crash or a major disaster, it would be viewed as a national tragedy.

The guilt and hardship a suicide imposes on the families and friends of the deceased are immeasurable. The most common reaction among relatives and friends is surprise and shock. Most people say they had no idea how desperate the suicide victim was.

An estimated 8,000 to 9,000 people also attempt suicide each year. As no official recording procedures exist on this subject, we can only guess at the extent of the problem - a Dublin casualty consultant estimates that around four people a day are seen at accident and emergency departments following suicide attempts. Moreover, the Institute of Guidance Counsellors has warned that suicide threats are increasing among school pupils in Ireland. The reasons may be low self-esteem, peer pressure, parent pressure, academic pressure and even bullying.

The increase in suicide has been particularly marked among men and those in rural areas. Some believe this may be due to changes in the role of men in society and the ability among women to cope with crises. The largest numbers of suicides in Ireland are among those aged between 24 and 34 years. Unlike death from natural causes or by accident, a death by suicide sends tremors to our very souls. To bring some meaning to the tragedy of suicide we must begin to speak of the unspeakable. Suicide and attempted suicide are very serious matters and we must begin to gain a better understanding of underlying causes.

Suicide is encountered among every social class, every profession and among the weakest and strongest of men and women. The deaths of stars such as Michael Hutchence and Kurt Cobain struck a cord all around the world. These cases represent the public side of suicide, the mere tip of the iceberg. However most of this publicity is due to the media that do not report on the private grief, personal sorrow and sadness experienced by the families and friends of the deceased.

What can be done to reduce the number of suicides in Ireland? We must acknowledge that a major problem exists and one which requires very urgent attention. Every individual suicide tends to generate a brief cycle of public attention, explanation, concern and promise of social reform. A more thoughtful and long-term approach is needed on an individual level. Meanwhile there is a tremendous responsibility on each and every one of us to be watchful for those at risk.

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