A new research published has found that the rising number of suicides in Northern Ireland may be linked to the legacy of the Troubles.

The Department of Health also found those living in violent areas are more likely to suffer depression and suicide was also blamed on deprivation, lack of opportunity and copying friends and relatives who took their own lives.

There were 291 deaths linked to suicide last year, which was almost double the average from the year before.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, who issued the research document, ‘The Trouble with Suicide’ commented: “Suicide is an increasing problem in Northern Ireland, especially amongst our young people. I am committed to tackling this problem and giving it the attention it deserves.

“Understanding the underlying causes of why someone takes their own life is of paramount importance. I believe this report will be extremely useful in helping us to begin to unravel ‘the effects of the troubles’ on the mental health of the people of Northern Ireland.

“In particular, it highlights a number of areas that will require further research. In the future it will help us better target suicide prevention and mental health promotion measures.”

The main findings of the report include:

• People in the Province report higher happiness levels than in many parts of Europe and further afield, yet sits alongside high levels of unhappiness and psychological distress.
• Conflict related trauma can have long term physical and mental consequences, and suicide rates have been associated with immediate and longer term consequences of conflict.
• People who live in an area heavily affected by violence tend to have a very high rate of depression.

The Troubles were found to have affected the way suicide was reported and recorded, and limited public recognition of suicide and self-harming as serious public issues.

However, the report noted that during the transition to peace, people are more willing to report depression.

(JM)