AS WORLD Suicide Prevention Week gets underway, an Irish charity has highlighted the rising incidence of teenage and child suicide.
3TS (Turn the Tide of Suicide) said today that there has been a significant increase in the number of people under 18 taking their own lives.
According to research carried out by UCD professor of psychiatry Kevin Malone, suicides in children and teenagers has doubled since 1993.
Malone, who co-founded the 3TS charity, said there has been a 40 per cent increase in the rate of suicide among boys aged 15 to 17.
Among girls under 18, the rate of suicide has doubled, his research found.
Malone said his study also revealed a doubling of suicide in those aged under 15.
In his study, which shows that on average two children a month take their own lives in Ireland, he compared data from 1993-1998 and 2003-2008.
3TS is to hold its eighth annual candlelight vigil in College Green, Dublin from 8pm tonight.
The occasion is marked by a candle ceremony, a minute’s silence and music from the Dublin Male Welsh Choir and the Vedres Quartet.
Malone said the vigil is a solemn occasion of respect and remembrance and “an opportunity for all those in communities across Ireland who have been touched by suicide to come and light a candle of remembrance in silent vigil.”
If we are to turn the tide of suicide in this country then it is critical that people realise that suicide in Ireland isn’t someone else’s problem, it is everyone’s problem.
Yesterday, Pieta House suicide crisis centre said there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of people seeking help.
In 2010, 486 people died by suicide, 386 of those were male and 100 were female, according to Pieta House.
Pieta House will hold a flash mob in Dublin and Limerick next Saturday in an attempt to highlight the issue of suicide in Ireland.
Suicide Prevention Week runs until September 10 and events are being organised across the country.
You can contact Samaritans on 1850 60 9090, or Childline on 1800 666 666.
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