13 June 2011

Dole Queue Linked To Mental Health Problems

The economic recession with its accompanying rise in unemployment rates is being linked to extremely adverse effects for men's mental health - according to new research from the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

The research report 'Facing the Challenge – The Impact of the Recession and Unemployment on Men's Health in Ireland' was launched today, and marked the start of Men's Health Week.

It identified a strong expectation of increased mental health problems for men given the very strong correlation between unemployment and male mental ill health.

The report is the result of a research and consultation process carried out, in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, by Nexus Research Co-operative on behalf of IPH.

It said that 93% of frontline organisations, North and South, in contact with unemployed men linked health challenges to unemployment and recession and all organisations surveyed noted adverse health challenges for men they work with.

Dole Link

In addition to health challenges being higher for unemployed men, they were also very high for men who saw themselves as being threatened with unemployment.

The organisations surveyed and the men who were interviewed identified the challenges to health as: High levels of stress or anxiety; Dependency on or over-use of alcohol/other drugs; Deterioration in physical health; Development of conflict in family or close personal relationships; Isolation (including sharing or communicating problems); and a reluctance to approach services or seek help.

The increase in the number of suicides is a particular cause for concern. In 2010, 313 deaths in Northern Ireland were registered as suicides, 240 of those were males and 73 were female, this is the highest figure on record.

The Republic of Ireland also recorded an increase in male suicides rates. For the 12 month period ended June 2009 there were 379 male suicides. For the 12 month period ended June 2010 this figure rose to 427.

IPH Associate Director, Owen Metcalfe said: "The combination of perceived inadequate service responses and the reluctance of many men to communicate their problems mean that a large proportion of more critical effects are undoubtedly hidden.

"Organisations and projects operating within the community are often the first point of access and it is critical that they provide a secure and trusting environment for those seeking support.

"Our report suggests that success in addressing the issue will be determined to a large extent by effective partnership arrangements between community-based groups and mainstream service providers."

Mr Metcalfe concluded: "There are many challenges involved in addressing this growing problem. Through this research and other similar reports we can begin to improve public awareness and provide greater support for those who require it."

Priority

The report was published the same day as the NI Health Minister, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his Department's commitment to protect funding for suicide prevention.

While atending a meeting of the regional Suicide Strategy Implementation Body, the Minister said: "Every suicide is an absolute tragedy and leaves a legacy of loss and devastation. I am determined to do all I can to help tackle this issue and that is why I am giving a reassurance to protect the suicide prevention fund, which amounts to £6.7m in the current financial year.

"The work of the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body (SSIB), which brings together statutory, voluntary and community representatives to oversee the rollout of our local Protect Life suicide prevention strategy, is an essential part of the joined up working which will be required if we are to successfully combat the high local suicide rate.

"The drive, commitment and courage demonstrated by the members of the SSIB, and in particular by those family members bereaved by suicide, often in the face of personal tragedy, is truly inspirational," he concluded.

(BMcN/GK)