NI Men More Likely To Die By Suicide

Men in Northern Ireland are three times more likely to take their own lives than women, according to new research by the University of Ulster.

The study is the first ever detailed analysis of deaths by suicide in Northern Ireland from 1995.

Findings show that men remain three times more likely to take their own lives than women.

Suicide rates are similar across middle age, with rising rates among the over 70s.

Over two thirds (67%) of those who died by suicide had a recorded mental illness while 59% had a recorded physical illness.

78% of the deceased had experienced relationship difficulties or a breakup in the period prior to death.

Financial crisis was recorded in 13% of cases and employment related problems in 12%.

In around a quarter of deaths, the illness or death of a relative or friend was noted.

Professor O’Neill from the Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Well-being at the University’s Magee campus said: "This study provides us with the most detailed information to date, upon which to base future suicide prevention initiatives in Northern Ireland.

"We need to find ways of helping people of all ages, and men in particular, to seek help and support for mental health problems during stressful life events.

Professor Brendan Bunting, the study’s principal investigator, added: "This study, along with recent evidence regarding the high rates of mental disorders in the NI population, constitutes ever more compelling evidence for an effective health and service provision across the life span."

The initial research findings were presented at the International Association for Suicide Prevention conference in Oslo earlier this month.

(IT/CD)