Miriam Sandum Næss /Articles

Illustration photo by Annette B. Søreide.

I woke up to my mam screaming to my older brothers that dad had left a note and he was gone. I couldn’t believe it. The police and my brothers searched for the remainder of the morning. He was found and it wasn’t a happy “I’ve made a mistake help me moment.”

Suicide is something we don´t talk about, but everyone knows that it´s happening. It´s hard to talk about; it´s a private matter. The story above is from www.letsomeoneknow.ie and it´s not unusual. The suicide rate in Ireland is dangerously high.

“Nearly 500 people in Ireland committed suicide last year; that´s more than from traffic accidents,” says Ailica Gayson.

She started a community action group with others in Dublin 8 in 2008 after it was clear that suicide was on a rise in the region.

Ireland has the fifth highest rate of suicide in EU amongst younger people between the ages of 15- 24. Men under 35 account for 40% of the suicides.

“The reason the rate is higher for men is because they don´t talk as much as women and they often choose more violent exits,” explains Gayson.

The Talk

For every successful suicide there are between 10-30 attempts. Over 80% of younger victims have talked to someone about their ideas two weeks before their attempt.

Gayson gives strong advice: “If someone comes to you and tells you that they are thinking about suicide, don't be shocked or angry with them. Talk with them!”

It is easier said than done however. Statistics say that 95% of Irish residents are scared to talk about suicide.

If you notice that someone is showing signs of suicidal thoughts (listed in the box) you should get up the courage and ask them straight out if they are thinking about ending their life. It is a myth that talking about suicide will “put the idea” into someone´s head.

“By talking about it you can save a life,” says Gayson.

If someone mentions to you that they are having suicidal thoughts or seriously considering suicide, don´t keep it a secret. See the list below for resources to help a suicidal individual.

If you come upon someone who just tried to commit suicide or even seriously considered taking their life, the best thing you can do is bring them to the emergency room as soon as possible. Every emergency room has to have a psychiatrist on call.

“It´s not ideal, but by the time the victim can talk to someone the immediate danger has passed but they must still seek help,” advises Gayson.

Help to turn the tide; one life lost to suicide is one to many. We have listed places to get help, the warning signs, and how to talk to a suicidal person.