A NATIONAL programme is being launched by the HSE tomorrow in an effort to offset the potential impact of the recession on suicide rates.
Entitled Looking after your mental health in tough economic times, the programme involves the rollout of pocket-sized information cards and leaflets bearing the contact details of support agencies. It will be launched by the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) in conjunction with a conference which takes place at Dublin Castle tomorrow.
Dr Justin Brophy, president of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland, will address the conference along with Susan Kenny, national training and development officer, NOSP; Prof Rick Price, director, Michigan Prevention Research Centre, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan; and Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, John Moloney.
Geoff Day, director of NOSP, said: “It is unclear how the current economic situation will impact on suicide rates, but we do know that unemployment is a key factor. However, several approaches can be undertaken to offset the potential impact of the recession on suicide.”
The annual report of the National Registry of Deliberate Self Harm, which was published last week, warned that a significant rise in deliberate self- harm among young Irish men may be linked to the current economic downturn. It highlighted the need “to develop and implement initiatives to increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues among the general public and professionals involved in services supporting people who are unemployed or who are experiencing financial difficulties”.
