Irish suicide rate one of highest in Europe
Suicide amongst young men in Ireland is amongst the highest rate in the EU (see http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0123/364033-suicide-rate-report/ for example). This is a complex issue because of its nature and given the fact that it can happen at almost any stage. There is no age bracket for suicide.
There are many reasons why a young person might take their own life and it is easy to lay blame at the government for not taking action but while there has been some action of late it is not going to be enough.
Bullying has led to male, and female, secondary school students committing suicide. Up to recently if a male student went to members of school staff to report bullying they would often be told to “man up”, sometimes they would get the same response at home. This leaves the person with a feeling of despair and loneliness as they feel they have nowhere to turn to. If there is no relief and no respite they turn to what they feel like is their only solution. This has been the case in the past but thankfully there is changes being implemented to help children who find themselves in that situation.
Once a young male has left secondary school it is hoped that the reasons to commit suicide have lessened. However, that is not the case, especially given the current economic climate. Young men still feel and believe that it is their “job” in society to be the bread earner, to be the Mr. Fix-it. The question has to be asked, “What happens when there is no work and endless hours of emptiness?”
The government are focusing on fudging the unemployment numbers, not really helping young men. “You can get the dole but if you do voluntary work, your payment is reduced.”
“We are focusing on the people unemployed for a year or more and at present you don’t qualify for X program, try again in Y months”
“You are overqualified for the program, there is nothing we can do for you”
It is time to realise that people who went in to do voluntary work, or to sign up for program(s) want to be doing something to keep themselves active maybe physically or mentally but almost always active socially. This is the best way for them to get through these terrible times.
Sporting activities can help young men to build esteem but these cost too much for the unemployed.
Suicide prevention is difficult. There is no one size fits all solution, given the nature and vastly different life stages suicide victims are at. Some are school children, some are young adults and some are old adults, some are poor and some are extremely wealthy but there seems to be an underlying loneliness and feeling of despair and even isolation.
One possible solution for reducing young males suicide rates, but extremely unpopular, would be to have unemployed males to do one to two years public service, such as military training, community public works or for the less physically strong maybe community helping projects such as helping old people with reading. This is unpopular but it should help keep young men active and hopefully give them a confidence when facing the world around them. It should also fill the emptiness of “dead time” they face now with only themselves for company.
Even if money was limitless, there would still be suicides, so it is vital that no matter what, no matter where, no matter your mood, Mind Your Mates and let your mates mind you.
