Schools can help tackle suicide

SCHOOLS should be used to encourage young people to seek help when they are experiencing problems, according to a major study on suicide and mental health.

The survey of 363 young men in the Mid-Western Health Board region found 83% had few or no serious personal, emotional behavioural or mental health problems in the past year. But of those who reported having a problem for which they felt they needed professional help, 70% did not try to get that assistance.

Derek Chambers, research and resource officer with the National Suicide Review Group and co-author of the report, said a schools-based approach to tackling the issue could see benefits in the long term.