Back

Ireland

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 116 123 (Samaritans Ireland)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential mental health support for individuals in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts. (samaritans.org/ireland)
  1. Youth Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 1800 666 666 (Childline Ireland)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides emotional support for children and young adults up to age 18. (childline.ie)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112 or 999
    • Notes: European emergency numbers for police, fire, and medical assistance, including mental health crises.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +353 1 670 6223 (LGBT Ireland Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 6:30 PM – 10 PM, daily.
    • Additional Details: Offers support for LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing mental health challenges. (lgbt.ie)
Suicide Prevention in Ireland

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 8.3 (2019 data). (org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Ireland have been decreasing, thanks to national prevention strategies and community-based interventions.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Approximately three times higher than females.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though women report higher rates of suicide attempts.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide remains a leading cause of death in this group, often linked to academic stress, bullying, and mental health stigma.
    • Elderly (60+): Risks include isolation, health challenges, and financial insecurity.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to social isolation, limited mental health services, and stigma.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Elevated suicide risk due to discrimination and social exclusion.
    • Farmers and Rural Workers: Economic challenges and isolation contribute to higher suicide rates.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Ireland has implemented the Connecting for Life strategy, a comprehensive national suicide prevention plan aimed at reducing suicide rates and improving mental health services.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expanding mental health crisis services and suicide prevention hotlines.
    • Training healthcare professionals and community members in suicide intervention.
    • Reducing stigma through national awareness campaigns.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Little Things” campaign emphasizes small actions that can make a big difference in mental health.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • School-based programs promote mental health education and stress management.
    • Rural mental health initiatives provide support for isolated populations, including farmers.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with local NGOs, such as Pieta House and Samaritans Ireland, to enhance suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • SpunOut.ie: An online platform offering mental health resources and self-help guides for young people.
    • Text-based support services, like 50808, provide confidential crisis counseling via SMS.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • SafeTALK and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) programs train individuals in suicide prevention and response.
    • Peer support groups and wellness workshops are widely available.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Ireland has made significant strides in reducing mental health stigma, but challenges remain in rural areas.
    • Family and community networks are crucial for mental health support, with cultural emphasis on communal well-being.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Further research is needed on suicide trends among LGBTQIA+ individuals and migrant populations.
  • Positive Developments:
    • The success of the Connecting for Life strategy and the availability of digital tools highlight Ireland’s progress in reducing suicide rates.

References

  1. Samaritans Ireland. (n.d.). 116 123 Suicide Prevention Hotline. Retrieved from https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Ireland – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Ireland. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Pieta House. (n.d.). Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Services in Ireland. Retrieved from https://www.pieta.ie/
  5. Connecting for Life. (n.d.). Ireland’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.connectingforlife.ie/
  6. LGBT Ireland. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Crisis Support. Retrieved from https://www.lgbt.ie/