Suicide was decriminalised in this State 12 years ago. But, having removed the stigma of illegality, we have failed to invest in the services required to reduce the number of unnecessary deaths and to put in place appropriate supports for bereaved and grieving families and friends. Suicide is a devastating event in the life of any community. Ireland's incidence for young men is among the highest in the European Union. Yet, research into why this occurs and how to counteract it is grossly inadequate.
The pain and anguish of those left behind by young suicides has been well documented Social Affairs Correspondent, Carl O'Brien, in a series of articles which concludes today. More people take their own lives than die in road accidents in this country. And the need for help-lines, counselling and support systems for those at risk is uncontested. In spite of that, mental health services have had their proportion of the health budget cut by 36 per cent in the past five years. There is a crisis in society, but nobody in Government appears to hear the alarm bells.
A link between mental illness, depression and suicide -risk is well established. Suicide is an act of despair and personal pain. Up to 90 per cent of suicides can be traced back to depression or to a psychiatric problem. A recent study in Munster found that nearly one-third of young people experienced serious personal, emotional, behavioural or mental health problems. But less than one-in-five of them received professional help. This is a situation that is probably replicated across the State. And it can no longer be tolerated. At a community level, provision must also be made for drop-in centres for young people, where they can talk to trained volunteers, away from drugs and alcohol.
For those left behind, the loss of a loved one in such tragic circumstances is the start of a nightmare, not the end. Suicide leaves profound feelings of loss, grief and guilt in its wake. And it impacts not only on the families, friends and colleagues of the dead person, but on the wider community. Voluntary organisations have sprung up. And training courses designed to alert people to the warning signs have been held in areas affected by clusters of suicides. Suicide resource officers have been appointed within various health boards to liaise with affected families. But more needs to be done.
Suicide is now such a scourge that many parents live in quiet dread that the nightmare may knock on their door. Young people at risk find it difficult to communicate their hurt and distress. But sometimes they blurt it out to their friends. Because of that, talking, listening and offering emotional support can make all the difference. Suicide prevention is everybody's responsibility and in everyone's interest. Concerted action will be required if the tide is to be turned.