THE DEVASTATING effect of Ireland’s recession has been linked with nearly 500 addition deaths by suicide and an increase in self-harm, according to a new study.
Research by the National Suicide Research Foundation showed there was a significant increase in both rates between 2008 and 2012.
The foundation’s research found that there were 476 more male suicides than would have been expected during 2008 and 2012 if the recession not happened.
It also demonstrated that 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 also seven per cent higher.
A hike in unemployment – coupled with depression and substance abuse – appear to have been key risk factors among suicides during the downturn.
When measured in absolute terms, the foundation estimated that their figures equate to 476 more male suicides than would have been expected if previous trends had continued.
Similarly, the rate of self-harm among men was 37 per cent higher than would have been the case if there was no recession, whilst the rate among women was 26 per cent higher.
This equates to just over 5,000 presentations of self-harm among men and more than 3,800 among women during the same period, according to the study. Corcoran.
The findings, led by Prof Ella Arensman and Dr Paul, came as the Irish government’s HSE bosses prepare plans for a five-year suicide prevention strategy, due to be published shortly.
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