More people take their own lives in this State than are killed in road accidents. And yet the amount of money devoted by the Government to promoting suicide awareness and providing help for those at risk is only a fraction of that spent on advertising road safety measures.
The advertising campaign, costing €4.5 million, is pitifully inadequate. It reflects the social stigma that still attaches to suicide, even though almost every family has been touched, directly or indirectly, by this nightmare experience.
Suicide was treated as a criminal act by law enforcement agencies up until 12 years ago. It is a subject that people avoid, where possible. Perhaps because of that, it has been low on the political agenda and became a neglected aspect of the health services. That may be about to change with the publication, later this week, of a 10-year strategy on suicide prevention by Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney.
A national office of suicide prevention is to be established by the Health Service Executive at a time of growing concern about the rising death rate, which numbered 457 last year. Overall, the Irish suicide rate is low by European standards. But the risk for young Irish men is extremely high and the pattern for young women shows an upward trend. Little research has been done into the causes of suicide in this country. And no co-ordinated services, with shared knowledge and information, have been available to communities at risk.
President McAleese has helped to focus attention on this sensitive issue in recent times. Now the provision of financial and other resources will promote positive mental health and help to counteract this destructive response to despair and personal pain. The vast majority of such acts can be traced back to depression or a psychiatric problem and new services and outreach programmes must be made available. In addition, voluntary organisations will have to be supported and advised as to the best way to respond to this insidious epidemic.
The new strategy is expected to concentrate on education, training and support services while recommending more assertive interventions for people who have a history of self-harm or psychosis. A similar programme, which was initiated in Scotland, has brought about a reduction in suicide levels there. Funding for mental-care services here will have to rise. Community support at all levels, involving talking, listening and offering emotional help to young people at risk is vital. Complex responses are required to challenge suicide, the dark fear of every parent. Prevention is everybody's responsibility.