Suicides recorded in Northern Ireland have now increased by almost a fifth in 12 months according to new statistics published.
Between 2014 and 2015 registered suicides increased from 268 to 318, according to the Registrar General report for last year. That was a 19 per cent rise on the previous year. More than three quarters of all suicides were men or boys. These latest official figures make for startling reading regarding the continued high level increase of suicides in Northern Ireland.
The sharp rise in suicides shows that the Stormont Executive must prioritise and make mental health and emotional mental well-being a top priority. There is no doubt that mental health and emotional mental well-being are among some of the most important health issues facing people of all ages, but particularly men and young people today in Northern Ireland.
Many young people are dealing with various emotional issues such as low self-esteem, bullying, anxiety, and depression. Then there are those people who are facing financial pressures, addictions, sexual abuse, domestic violence, as well as the legacy of the troubles many others face a struggle to access adequate mental health services particularly within a short time frame when people are in desperate need of intervention.
Slieve Croob Councillor Patrick Clarke speaking on the subject, said: “Mental health provision across in Northern Ireland is facing many challenges, difficulties, and hurdles. One in four individuals will face a mental health problem in their lifetime, indeed there is currently an estimated 213,000 mental health sufferers across Northern Ireland half of which is attributable to the Troubles.
“Over the last number of years there have been a number of policy interventions that have attempted to either improve or stabalise mental health care and treatment by moving care into the community, closer to the patient’s home. However budget cuts has dramatically affected their ability to improve services and there is now the danger that any more cuts will severely hamper existing mental health services.
“Only properly investing in mental health provision by the Northern Ireland Executive will dramatically improve the quality of life for an individual and their families and reducing the economic costs associated with mental ill-health.
“Mental health problems are the responsibility not just of the Department of Health but also of all Executive Departments.
“This is why there needs to be a genuine collective cross-governmental mental health and well-being strategy by the Stormont Executive in conjunction with input from all other key stakeholders. There has to be more resources, more funding and a mental health and emotional well-being strategy is now an urgent priority.
“Suicide is a very highly complex issue to which there are no easy solutions or answers. Sadly behind every suicide statistic there is a tragic loss of life and families and friends left totally devastated.
“Therefore, tackling suicide by the Stormont Executive now must be priority and mental health needs to start topping the Stormont agenda as one of their key priorities that they will commit to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of our people.”
