NI suicide rates rise as Troubles end

Suicide rates in Northern Ireland have risen since the end of the Troubles, according to new research published today.

A University of Ulster report revealed that the violence which raged for more than 30 years may have kept people from taking their own lives.

The study, carried out alongside the Department of Psychiatry at the Mater Hospital Trust in Belfast, says civil unrest strengthened social bonds within communities and “buffered” individuals from thoughts of suicide.

Since the peace process told hold the threat has increased, with more than 150 people committing suicide in the North annually.

The issue has become such a concern that international experts gathered for a prevention conference in Belfast last week.