Increase in suicide by young men blamed on Celtic Tiger social changes

THE social changes brought about by the Celtic Tiger economy have contributed to rising suicide rates among young men.

A study by RehabCare and Trinity College Dublin recommended that more focused mental health programmes be provided in schools and at community level.

By comparing levels of mental health problems and suicide across a five-year period, it was found that men have more difficulty coping with social change such as economic prosperity, increased consumerism and changes in family circumstances.

“Boys and girls cope differently with social and cultural change, and in the absence of social support, their mental health is more likely to be affected,” said research author Dr Caroline Smyth, of RehabCare in Galway.

Of 444 people who committed suicide last year, 358 were males and more than one-in-four men were aged between 15 and 24. Dr Smyth said the increase in male suicide has happened at a time of significant change.

“There has been a clear move away from traditional Irish values towards those of Celtic Tiger Ireland,” he said.

“The way to tackle these issues is with more opportunities for young people to communicate their problems, either at school or through community mental health services like those in other countries,” she said.

The project worked with 219 male and 454 female second-level students between 15 and 19 in the greater Dublin area. It examined their experience in adapting to changing cultures, stressful life events, coping mechanisms and problem-solving.

The research was funded by the National Children’s Office (NCO) as part of its research programme, and was one of a number of studies presented at a research seminar in Dublin yesterday.

Children’s Minister Brian Lenihan said: “We need to achieve a better understanding of how children grow up in Ireland, including their individual and shared needs.”