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Many psychological factors can contribute to suicidal behaviours such as;
Undiagnosed medical ilnesses are associated with a large number of deaths by suicide. Like all other organs, the brain can become ill. The most common illnesses such as depression or schizophrenia may result in suicide, if left untreated.
In recent times, Ireland’s society has changed and this has had an impact on the extent of suicidal behaviours in the country. Some of the factors that contribute to this include;
The above factors can contribute to a reduction in a person’s resilience in dealing with day to day life. It can damage their ability to access practical and emotional help and support.
90% of people who die by suicide may have had an undiagnosed mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder, bulimia nervosa, or anorexia nervosa.
Between 20% – 50% of people who die by suicide will have attempted to take their own lives in the past. Those who made more serious attempts are at higher risk of completing suicide. For every one person who dies from suicide worldwide, there are up to 20 people who attempt to take their life ( World Health Organisation, 2017).
People who are impulsive, especially under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to act on suicidal impulses.
A person may have a predisposition to mental illness. A family history of suicide attempts might also lead to a higher risk of suicide for that person.
Men are three times more likely to complete suicide compared to their female counterparts. Men aged between 15-24 are the most at risk group of suicide in Ireland; however, the rate of death by suicide in females is increasing (Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report, 2016).
Suicides can occur without previous warning signs, however some warning signs may include;
If a person close to you has died by suicide it may leave you with many questions such as;
It is hard to accept that you may never know some of the answers to these questions. You may have many mixed feelings and emotions such as;
LivingWorks Start, is an online, interactive training programme that will give you the skills and knowledge to keep others safe from suicide. It will help you identify people who are at risk, confidently ask them about the topic of suicide and connect them with resources that can help them stay safe. The programme uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions. You can pause and recommence the programme at your own convenience. On average, the programme will take one hour 30 minutes to complete, but you can work at your own pace.
This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland.
Ohana provides training that will enable participants to better identify the signs that someone may be suicidal, help individuals to use the correct language in asking the appropriate questions and promote participants capacity to direct people to the appropriate help.
It is important that you seek support at this time. You can contact:
Student Counselling Service on:
Student Health Service on:
Contact the above links and/or: