Suicidal people urged to think of their families

People who take their own lives do not think about the hurt and sorrow they leave behind, a coroner has said.

As suicide verdicts were returned in six out of eight inquests before his court in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday, Terence Casey said that even though help was there for people in distress, in many cases they did not know where to turn.

Mr Casey, who previously voiced concerns about high suicide levels in his area, said it was the biggest number of suicides he had encountered in one sitting since taking up the post 10 years ago.

All six were males aged between 14 and 58. All were from the Killarney area, and all happened this year. They included:

* A 14-year-old found in a shed at his grandfather’s home. He spoke of dying to a family member a few days before taking his life;

* A man in his 20s found at the rear of his home outside Killarney;

* A 58-year-old man found on the stairway of his home, shortly after speaking to a family member;

* Two men found in attic passageways in their homes;

* A 48-year-old, who got a taxi home from his local pub the previous night, was found by his brother in the rural home they shared.

Wives, mothers, and brothers gave evidence of finding their loved ones dead. Some broke down.

Mr Casey, a solicitor, has already called for a national campaign on suicide, similar to the campaign by the Road Safety Authority.

Fine Gael TD Dan Neville, president of the Irish Association for Suicidology, said someone who took their own life often felt they had no other way of relieving their pain.

There have been three road deaths and 11 suicides in South Kerry this year, he said, adding that very little money is put into suicide prevention, while funds for counselling are being cut.

“A person who takes their own life has gone through extreme stress, extreme and deep despair, often for some time,” said Mr Neville. “Over 80% of those who take their lives suffer from a mental illness. They struggle so desperately they do not know what to do and feel they have no other option. In fact, they can feel they are doing the best thing for their loved ones and families by ending their lives.”

He said seeking help for emotional or mental problems was still stigmatised and that men in particular continued to suffer in silence.

Meanwhile, research by St Patrick’s University Hospital found that one-in-five people delay seeking treatment for mental issues due to the stigma attached.