Increase in children contemplating suicide

AN organisation working to prevent suicide and self harm is concerned at the increasing number of children who see suicide as a viable option during the economic downturn.

Chief executive of Pieta House, Joan Freeman, said those at the coal face of dealing with individuals and their families in crisis had noticed a definite increase in the number of young people with suicidal thoughts.

“While it is often the parents who are struggling to cope with the stresses and strains the recession puts on family life, it is often the younger children who are suffering as a result,” she said.