Experts fear hike in suicide rates due to recession

SUICIDE researchers have warned in the current climate of rapidly increasing unemployment, suicide rates could rise as in previous recessions.

Researchers Dr Paul Corcoran and Dr Ella Arensman, from the National Suicide Research Foundation, have called for appropriate social policy responses to alleviate the potential impact of unemployment on suicide.

They made the comments when publishing a study which showed suicide among unemployed men increased during the Celtic Tiger years when suicide levels generally were stable.

The study, Suicide and Employment Status during Ireland’s Celtic Tiger Economy, carried out between 1996 and 2006, examined 5270 suicides and 789 undetermined deaths.

It found unemployment was associated with a two to three-fold increased risk of suicide in men, and generally a four to six-fold increased risk in women.

Unemployment was linked with an increased risk of suicide even when it was at low levels in 2001-2006, compared with a period of shrinking unemployment between 1996-2000.

The highest male suicide rate was in 15-34-year-olds, but unemployment was a stronger risk factor for suicide in men aged 35-54.

Being a homemaker was associated with increased risk in women over 35.

According to researchers, the outcomes of the study suggest that people dealing with unemployment should be made aware of relevant support services.

Also contained in the foundation’s research bulletin were findings from the National Registry of Deliberate Self Harm (NRDSH).

According to the latest research, more than 63,154 deliberate self-harm (DSH) presentations to hospital emergency departments were recorded in the period 2003-2008.

Factors associated with DSH among both genders were drug use and knowing a friend who had engaged in self-harm.

Specific factors associated with DSH among girls were sexual abuse, knowing a family member who engaged in self-harm, fights with parents and problems with friendships. Among boys, experiences with bullying, problems with schoolwork, impulsivity and anxiety were associated with DSH.

“Given that DSH and suicide are common among adolescents, schools have an important role to play in their prevention,” researchers advised.

“Prevention strategies should aim to modify factors associated with self-harm through promoting positive mental health among students and through equipping students with the skills to effectively manage stress and interpersonal conflict. The findings of this study point to the importance of anti-bullying initiatives and alcohol and drugs education,” it stated.

Fine Gael spokesperson on mental health Dan Neville has claimed in the last nine months, the Government has repeatedly refused to hold a debate on suicide.

“I am disappointed that I have been refused a debate on the increase in suicides for the first three-quarters of last year. There was an increase of 26% in deaths by suicide from 279 in the previous year to 354 last year. The Government must recognise and respond to the new situation. Instead they are refusing to even address the issue in the nationalparliament.

“During recessionary times there is a sudden gap between material needs and resources. In downturns, frustration increases as an increasing proportion of people cannot realise their financial goals. This frustration can increase aggression including suicide,” he said.