Suicide is always a tragedy, for the life that has ended and the family, friends and community left behind.

It is also a substantial public health issue in western countries and more so in Ireland, where, shockingly, it is the most common cause of death among young men today. Twenty years ago an Irish family physician might have seen one patient, every 3 years, who would have died by suicide. Now, it is increasingly common for doctors to have two to three patients a year take their own lives. In 2002, over 8,500 people were treated in hospital for self-inflicted injuries, with some of them in their pre-teens. At any given time 300,000 people in Ireland suffer from depression.

The Ireland Funds have taken a lead in analysing and tackling the problem. Spearheading our response are two New York-based donors, Jerry & Karen Callaghan. They have committed to support the work of Dr. Kevin Malone of University College Dublin. A biological neurologist, Dr. Malone is carrying out pioneering neural-imaging of people suffering from depression. Along with Jerry Callaghan, Dr. Malone is also centrally involved in a new initiative called the 3T’s—Turning The Tide of Suicide, which was founded by Irish entrepreneur Noel Smyth.

Recently, The Funds convened a meeting of the key agencies involved in the fight against depression including The Samaritans, Aware and The National Suicide Research Foundation. The purpose was to determine why so many Irish people, particularly young men, found themselves in such a state of distress and hopelessness that the only way they could see of resolving their confusion and pain was by taking their own lives.

Obviously, this is a complex area fraught with a many and varied contributing factors affecting the individual. What is clear, however, is the dramatic recent changes in Irish society are difficult for some to adapt to and are presenting challenges they feel they cannot withstand. Job security is a thing of the past with people required to work longer and at a more demanding pace then ever before. Many young people are required to leave their communities and find themselves isolated in urban environments. The traditional sources of support and community, particularly the church, have declined in importance. Added to this, many young people are abusing alcohol or illicit substances which can have a devastating effect on one already struggling with depression.

The key agencies identified the increasing rate of suicide as a critical area of public health and set guidelines to help halt this trend, recommending that the problem be addressed as a public health priority. The most important thing is to de-stigmatize depression. Sufferers should be helped to understand that they have a disease that is eminently treatable. Education, particularly using the schools system and youth services network, is vital. Research into the social and biological causes of depression also requires our support. Finally and arguably most importantly, direct services should be made available to young people in danger of self-harm.

The Ireland Funds have produced a policy paper on these issues for which we will be seeking support. If we can make a difference here we will reach out to these in the greatest distress in Ireland today and, undoubtedly, save lives.

Mental Health : Healing The Hurt >