Suicidal talk must be taken seriously

YOUNG men are much more likely to admit to suicidal thoughts while out drinking with friends — but the remarks are often dismissed as “drunk talk” the following morning.

Research by a major national suicide prevention charity, 3Ts, has found that personal tragedies could be avoided if the seemingly over-stated comments were taken seriously by those who heard them.

The qualitative study, which was conducted between 2007 and 2010, was based on the views of six separate groups compromising 45 young men aged 18-25 and 15 young men aged 15-30 whose friends had recently taken their lives, and 54 families bereaved by the ongoing national crisis.

It found that those in an emotionally distressed state are far more likely to admit their hidden concerns to a person close to them while drinking, increasing the likelihood of the at-risk individual receiving the support they need.

However, despite the admission, the remarks are instead often passed off as “drunk talk” by both parties when they next meet.

“The alcohol context was identified as an important avenue for disclosure of concerns, emotions and suicidal thinking in the friendship of young Irish males.

“But disclosure within this context was also found to reduced perception of risk in the individual,” said Dr Lorna Sweeney, the lead author of the study Young Irish Male Perspectives on Depression and Peer Suicide, explained.

Reacting to the research findings, 3Ts chairman Noel Smyth said while the issue offers a vital insight into suicidal behaviour all year round, the lessons to be taken from it are of particular importance in the weeks before and after Christmas.

“The festive season is often a time of increased alcoholic consumption occasions. In light of these findings, we would ask people to be more aware of disclosures or problems shared by friends when drinking together.

“In particular, we would urge that any disclosures involving suicidal thoughts are followed up the next day and considered in a context more seriously than just ‘drunk talk’,” he said.

The suicide prevention campaigner added that anyone who is going through a difficult moment, or someone who is concerned for a friend, should contact the free 24-hour 1Life helpline on 1800 247100, which can also be accessed by texting the word “Help” to 51444.

This service, which was set up in late 2009 by Console and the 3Ts, is staffed by counsellors and medical specialists who can offer support for those in crisis.

It has seen a 30% rise in calls in January and February each year so far.

The HSE also offers a suicide prevention helpline, open from 6pm to 10pm, on 1800 742745, and a farm and rural stress helpline, from 6pm to 10pm, on 1800 742 645.

In addition to the main finding, the major qualitative research — the first of its kind in Ireland — also noted a clear “lack of policy documents” on how young male suicides can be tackled in this country, and how this affects their peers.

lDr Sweeney’s study was supported by the Ad Astra Scholarship in Suicide Studies, supported by 1Life and the Suicide Research Programme at UCD’s Vincent’s University Hospital.

* Console (console.ie); 3Ts (3ts.ie)

* [e-mail]