The report was commissioned by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an overall analysis of the research already undertaken on the effects of the ‘Troubles’ on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland. The report focussed particularly on the impact of the troubles on the local suicides rates.
The Review generally concluded that the conflict shaped suicide in significant ways, and its legacy continues to influence the challenge of reducing suicide in the future.
Main findings include:-
- People in Northern Ireland report higher happiness levels than in many parts of Europe and further afield, yet this sits along side high levels of unhappiness and psychological distress.
- Conflict related trauma can have long term physical and mental consequences, and suicide rates have been associated with immediate and longer term consequences on conflict.
- Research shows that people who live in an area heavily affected by violence tend to have very high rates of depression.
- The troubles affected the way suicide was reported and recorded, and limited public recognition of suicide and self-harming as serious public issues.
- During the transition to peace, people are more willing to report depression etc.
Michael McGimpsey commented: “Suicide is an increasing problem in Northern Ireland, especially amongst our young people. I am committed to tackling this problem and giving it the attention it deserves.
“Understanding the underlying causes of why someone takes their own life is of paramount importance. I believe this report will be extremely useful in helping us to begin to unravel 'the effects of the troubles' on the mental health of the people of Northern Ireland. In particular, it highlights a number of areas that will require further research. In the future it will help us better target suicide prevention and mental health promotion measures.”
Areas identified for further research are:
- How suicide relates to a neighbourhood’s characteristics, and the broader evidence of social change.
- More work with those bereaved by suicide to further explore “contagion” and imitation of suicide.
- A greater understanding of how young people use communication and other media is essential if young people are to be engaged in relation to suicide awareness and prevention, and mental health and well being more broadly.
The Minister continued: “I have recently announced the establishment of a new Mental Health and Learning Disability Board, which I have asked to look at the underlying causes of suicide as a matter of priority. I would hope that the areas highlighted for future research will help guide the Board in exploring this extremely complex issue.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The research project had been commissioned by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety as part of the ongoing implementation of the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy, “Protect Life – A Shared Vision”
- “Protect Life – A Shared Vision”, the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy, was launched on 30 October 2006, following an extensive consultation and engagement process.
- £3million has been allocated for the implementation of the Suicide Prevention Strategy this year.
- The “Trouble with Suicide” literature review is available at www.investingforhealthni.gov.uk/documents/trouble-with-suicide.pdf
- Between 2000 and 2004, there were approximately 150 suicides recorded annually Northern Ireland, with over 40% being young men aged under 35 years. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of suicides, with 291suicides recorded in 2006.
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