We seem to be constantly bombarded with information on GDP and unemployment statistics as a result of the crippling recession our country just endured.
Something that is rarely mentioned by politicians is the profound negative effect austerity and the recession has had directly on the people of the country. We have left a legacy of human devastation. In the light of a so called economic recovery, we have a duty to provide services to help people with their emotional welfare and mental health.
This is piece published in The Irish Times, written by Carl O’Brien is a tough read but hardly surprising.
Article on The Irish Times – Almost 500 additional suicides linked to recession
The economic recession has been linked to almost 500 additional deaths by suicide, new research suggests.
A study by the National Suicide Research Foundation shows there was a significant increase in the rate of suicide and self-harm between 2008 and 2012, reversing the previous decreasing trend.
Increased unemployment, combined with depression and substance abuse, appear to have been key risk factors among deaths during the downturn.
The findings come as the health policy chiefs prepare plans for a five-year suicide prevention strategy, due to be published shortly.
The strategic framework is expected to place a heavy emphasis on expanding the use of crisis nurses to support patients at risk of self-harming, along with dozens of other measures.
The foundation’s research shows the rate of suicide among men at the end of 2012 was 57 per cent higher than would have been the case if the recession had not occurred. The equivalent rate for women was 7 per cent higher.
When measured in absolute terms, the foundation estimates these figures equate to 476 more male suicides than would have been expected if previous trends continued. Similarly, the rate of self harm among men was 37 per cent higher than would have been the case if there was, while the rate among women was 26 per cent higher.
Read the full article by Carl O’Brien published on March 15th, 2015 for the Irish Times.
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