Coroner speaks out about increase in suicide

The Acting Coroner for Offaly Brian Mahon this week spoke out about the increasing problem of suicide in the county, saying a 'rampant and really serious situation' is developing in Ireland. Of the six cases before the Offaly Coroners Court this week, five involved men taking their own lives. Following one of the inquests at the monthly sitting, Mr Mahon said: “It is just an example of the rampant and really serious situation in Ireland and in particular in the rural areas where there seems to be an increase in these suicide deaths.†The five men were aged between 32 and 55. Two were from Tullamore, one was from Edenderry, one was from Clonaslee while the other was from Clara in Co. Offaly. The sixth inquest related to a Polish national who lost his life in a fatal traffic accident. While the cases dated back to 2010, Mr Mahon told the Coroners Court there had been no ease in the number of suicides appearing before him for 2011. “There is a very serious situation abroad in the country, it has not improved,†remarked Mr Mahon. Commenting on the high figures in 2010, Mr Mahon said: “The situation has continued on to the latter part of the year and into the new year.†Communication and Policy Officer with Irish Rural Link (IRL), Helen Dunne believes a combination of financial pressure and rural isolation has contributed to the problem. “The economic situation has had a huge effect,†Ms Dunne remarked, “they have huge pressure in their own lives meeting bills and that's coupled with isolation.†“If people are not in the workplace there is less social contact so it's not just the breakdown in finances, there's less social capital,†Ms Dunne added. Acting HSE Midlands Suicide Prevention Officer, Josephine Rigney said the HSE has rolled out two programmes in the region in conjunction with the National Office of Suicide Prevention. Over 2,000 people took part in the ongoing accredited ASIST and SAFETALK suicide awareness programmes in 2009, she said. “The objective of both of those programmes is to increase peoples' awareness and alertness around suicide,†Ms Rigney explained. “It is around educating ourselves and providing the skills. Unfortunately these tragedies will happen and some people may chose to take their lives but, if we are concerned about people and we get those skills, that increases our confidence and our capacity to be able to provide that support,†she added. 1Life offers a 24 hr national suicide helpline seven days a week and can be contacted at 1800 24 7 100. The Samaritans can be contacted on 1850 60 90 60 or texted at 087 260 9090.