Blog
World Suicide Prevention Day: Are we finally making progress with suicide and self-harm?
- September 10, 2019
- Posted by: Ian Rice
- Category: Blog
In an article for the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, Consultant Psychiatrist Prof Brendan Kelly discusses the history, epidemiology and evidence for prevention of suicide and self-harm in Ireland.
You can read the full article here.
“While Ireland’s suicide rate is falling, suicide and self-harm remain substantial societal problems. Good primary care, good mental health care and good social care all likely reduce risk. Public health measures, such as paracetamol pack size regulations, have the best evidence base to support them. Despite increased public and professional discussion, much remains to be done to provide effective, coordinated support to those at risk of suicide and those bereaved.
In 2016, there were up to 300 different groups providing support. Clearly, a coordinated, effective and compassionate approach is needed, linking community and state resources meaningfully with each other. Approaches rooted outside of core mental health services will be vital: addressing alcohol problems and other addictions, reducing homelessness, reforming the criminal justice system and improving social care.” [Excerpt from the abstract]