Suicide rate has increased seven-fold in 50 years

There has been a seven-fold increase in the number of people dying by suicide in Ireland over the last 50 years, a new book revealed today.

Suicide now claims more lives than road accidents with 457 people taking their own lives in the Republic in 2004.

Author Emily Cox warned the huge increase in the rate of youth suicide was a symptom of the huge pressure young people face in the new Celtic Tiger society.

“In 1998 we recorded the highest rate of suicide ever in this country – 514 people died by suicide. This was the height of the Celtic Tiger and there was huge economic growth,” said Ms Cox, whose book tells the tales of the families affected by suicide.

“Teenagers and young people can feel quite worthless in a society that increasingly determines an individual’s sense of self-worth in terms of wealth, success and image. Young people can be quite bewildered and there can often be the added challenges of peer pressure and even bullying.”

Ms Cox said there were very few people in Ireland who have not been touched by the knock-on effects of suicide.

The book ‘Suicide: Ireland’s Story’ revealed there was a seven-fold increase in the number of deaths by suicide in the Republic between the early 1960’s and the first decade of the 21st century.

Ireland has the fifth highest rate of youth suicide in the EU – with men accounting for 80% of the deaths.

The author said the key to preventing suicide was to raise awareness and encourage people to seek help for their problems.

“People who die by suicide don’t want to die, they just feel they can not bear the pain,” she said.

“There is always help out there, no matter what the problem is. Share your problems, talk to family and friends or professionals. You are not alone with your problem, no matter what it may be; debt, loneliness, bereavement.”

Ms Cox said there are organisations like Aware, which can be contacted through its website, or the Samaritans on 1850 60 90 90, that can help people find a solution.

“Suicide is not the answer and it leaves a trail of destruction in its wake. Sometimes people don’t realise how much they are loved and how many lives will be destroyed by the loss of a loved one to suicide,” she said.

Ms Cox said suicide was now the number one cause of death in males aged between 15 and 24.

In 1980, 27 young men aged between 15 and 24 died by suicide. It had more than quadrupled by 1998 with 114 young males dying by suicide.