Breaking Point:Suicide and Young Irish

Males

By

Wayne Dean Doyle

A Dissertation by practice submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of

B A in Journalism and Visual Media (Hetac)

Faculty of Media Communication,

Griffith College Dublin

April 2012

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Declaration

I herby certify that this material, which I now submit for assessment on the programme of study leading to the award of the BA in Journalism and Visual Media, is my own: based on my personal study and/or research, and that I have acknowledged all material and sources used in its preparation. I also certify that I have not copied in part or whole or otherwise plagiarised the work of anyone else, including other student.

Signed: ___________

Dated: ___________

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Abstract

Breaking point is a radio documentary which encapsulates personal reflections on a national

issue: Suicide in young Irish males. Breaking point features interviews which consist of

academic expertise and more importantly the personal affects suicide has on a family

member(s). I certainly am guilty of viewing these statistic from a researchers perspective, and

failed to recognise that behind each and every number there is a family: brother, mother or

sister. This documentary aims to peel back the many layers of protection a vulnerable

individual and indeed Irish society have wrapped around themselves in the hope that these

issues will simply get better, without offering any solutions.

I hope that this radio documentary will give comfort to those who have been affected by

suicide either directly or indirectly. But above all, I hope that breaking point will offer a

direction and provide answers for those most in need.

Irish society is going through a regeneration process where each and every individual is

slowly beginning to express their ability to empathize with even the most unfortunate within

our communities. The together approach is the only way that suicide will lose this laborious

battle, money is only on small particle within our skill set, but an essential particle none the

less. Our most prized asset and important tool is our ability to provide that much needed

shoulder to whoever may need it. Irish society needs to bring to the fore the ability to

empathize and understand that anybody can find themselves in situations where there mental

health is under threat, but you have choices, and individuals and organisations whom share

similar experiences are waiting to be asked to help.

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Table of Contents

I. Table of Contents

II. Declaration

III. Abstract

IV. Acknowledgments

V. Glossary

VI. Introduction

VII. Chapter one:

Evidence of Research

VIII. Chapter Two:

Constructing the Radio Documentary

IX. Chapter Three

Review and Analysis

X. Appendices

XI. Bibliography

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Acknowledgements

There are simply too many people to mention whom I am forever indebted to. I would like to

thank you for your kindness, insights and above all time which you dedicated to me and my

efforts inside and outside college. You know who you are. Dr. Tony Bates, Ann Daly and

Jane Carrigan were both an inspiration to me and this work. This dissertation is testament to

their hard work and efforts.

Dedication(s)

In Memory of a character who seemed to bring a smile to everyone’s face in times of doubt

and upheaval. Kevin Fagan, may you rest in peace.

For my mother who represents persistence and determination in its finest form, and unsung

hero whom I love and cherish dearly.

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Introduction

Initially, I wanted to research the topic of Young Irish males and suicide because I wanted to

understand why it was that so many young Irish men were dying by suicide and especially in

the 15-22 year old age group. The truth is, I still don’t have an answer, but I have learned that

the reason I do not fully understand is simply because there is not one single reason. A

dissertation of this nature is not only physically exhausting but also emotionally draining. I

am extremely happy that now I have a more clarified view within the whole area of mental

health and male suicide. My learning's are bound up throughout this dissertation and radio

documentary. I found my Radio documentary has the powerful story, something that

unfortunately cannot be captured in writing even by the most talented of individuals, it is for

this reason I would recommend listening to Breaking point, to gain a more rounded and

unpolished story behind these soul destroying statistics.

The main objective of this documentary is to highlight, understand and promote a greater

empathy with victims of suicide. This includes family, friends and also the individuals

themselves. There is still a significant stigma attached to suicide in Ireland and hopefully this

work will provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding as to why and how suicide

occurs. If people became more educated in and around the subject of male suicide, an insight

would be gained which would in turn lead to the realisation that suicide does not only affect a

small minority of Irish people, but many more.

In the work of Mckeown & Clarke (2004), which greatly influenced the moulding and

shaping of breaking point, the authors spoke about Irish society and our services as a whole

distinguishing between physical and mental health issues, offering a two tiered health service

which has indirectly contributing to the stigmatization of mental health issues.

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The particular focus or angle which I have taken in relation to my documentary – Suicide

from a male perspective, is based on the fact that I had a friend who suffered with his mental

health and as a result died by suicide. I wanted to question my anger, and why individuals

around me called Kevin’s final act selfish. So, for many months I became actively involved

with Mental Health Ireland and also my local Mental Health Clubs.

Kevin spoke of his illness on various occasions describing it as a dark cloud that would

sometimes only stay over him for a short period of time and other times, could stay for days. I

used my experience with Mental Health Ireland and my extended research into the area to

create a radio documentary with the view of providing an insight into the complex area of

suicide and young men in Ireland.

Suicide is shockingly becoming more accepted within Irish society, the norm, not simply

because it is an inevitable non preventable act, but because it is becoming extremely

common. “A society in which it is the norm to put people down whether they are men or

women, because they are not smart enough or rich enough or good looking enough or

streetwise enough or cool enough, is a society that does not value people as human beings,

and a society that does not value people is a society that should not be surprised if people do

not value themselves”. (McGarry 2008).

Ireland has one of the fastest rising suicide rates in the world : 527 people died as a result of

suicide last year: the number of Irish male suicide victims has quadrupled in 20 years, with an

average of one and a half men dying each day, (Oireachtas debates 2012). The highest suicide

rates were males between the ages of 15 and 34. “The increase is mainly in men in the

middle-age group,’’ Ms Lynch, Minister for Health. (O’ Regan April 2011).

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I found this Irish Times article late on in my research. I was immediately influenced and

taken in by the context in which it was written and the stark information it presented in a

clear untangled format, for this reason I have quoted it quite often. I felt it reiterated all the

points I Breaking point was trying to make. Ms Lynch discusses the impact of unemployment

and social stratification as playing a vital role within Ireland’s suicide statistics. “Following

job loss, people report higher levels of stress, depression and anger. ‘She said the loss of

personal control and self-esteem made it more difficult at times to keep in contact with

friends and colleagues.

Ms Lynch said the HSE’s national office for suicide prevention had launched a “tough

economic times” programme following requests from organisations such as Citizens

Information and Money Advice and Budgeting Service for information and training. Some

150,000 information leaflets highlighting the actions to be taken were produced for the

public, as well as a guidance book for organisations advising how to prepare staff to

recognise and respond to suicidal behaviours. Farmers’ marts were also targeted with

information, as well as events such as the ploughing championships.

“As a first step, we must ensure that we avoid duplication of services and suicide prevention

initiatives,’’ she said. “This will help us get better value for the money that is available to us

and make sure that we maximise our effectiveness.’’ Long-time campaigner on the issue Dan

Neville (FG) warned against using the term “commit suicide’’, adding that suicide had been a

crime up to 1993.“There is no other way one dies which is referred to by use of the word

‘commit’,’’ he said. “The language we use in respect of suicide is extremely

important.”Experts, he said, believed at least 40 per cent of deaths which are undetermined

were suicides."Suicide is now the most common cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds in

Ireland,” stated Dan Neville said (O’ Regan April 2011).

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The increasing competitiveness within Irish society from an early age has led critics and

doctors alike question whether such competitiveness and stress is related to male suicide.

When Irish males become mentally ill, they feel as if they have nobody to turn to. The current

economic climate is having disastrous effects on individuals and their families, marriages

have failed because of arguments about incomes, job losses and pressure to keep the family

together in these turbulent times. The stereotypical male should be the bread winner and

provider within the home, when the male can no longer provide for his family he feels lost,

useless and in many cases indispensable.

Sadly this in turn can lead to a multitude of issues and bottomless pits. These signposts

include loneliness, depression and isolation. They also include loss of self esteem, of a person

through death, of a job and of either physical or mental health. “Our success ridden, intolerant

and demanding society results in many adolescents feeling stressed out, under severe pressure

filled with anxiety. Irish society is notorious for its acceptance of over consumption of

alcohol” (Gaffney 2007).

Within this works evidence of research chapter, further discussion and alternative solutions

will be put further and explored in the hope of reinforcing the readers understanding of the

complexity of the subject matter.

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Chapter One – Evidence of Research

Preliminary work

The 2007 HSE report “Mental Health in Ireland: Awareness and Attitudes” revealed that

suicide was one of the three most important mental health problems faced by Irish adults,

along with alcohol and depression. According to the HSE’s National Office for Suicide

Prevention (NOSP) which gives figures in the 2011 report for years 1990-2008, 424 Irish

people took their own life in 2008, a figure far greater than the 276 live lost on Irish roads

during the same period. Men accounted for 78 per cent, or just over 332, of the suicides,

against 92 women.

Suicide peaks amongst young males between the age of 20 and 24, while women are at most

risk in their early 50’s. Until 2009, Ireland’s suicide rate, taking in population growth into

account, had been at its lowest since its decriminalization in 1993. Ireland’s overall rate of

suicide is also six lowest in the European Union. However, Ireland has the fourth highest rate

of suicides amongst men in the EU, behind Lithuania, Finland and Estonia. In 2009, 422 men

took their own lives compared to 105 females. the annual suicide rate increased by 24 per

cent to 527 people, compared to 2008. Furthermore, despite record suicides decreasing from

460 to 424 between 2007 and 2008, the number of undetermined deaths rose by over 50 per

cent during this period, from 119 to 181 (Datta, Frewen 2010).

Initially I thought I was aware of the ethical implications involved when dealing with such a

sensitive subject; however, when the work commenced there were some serious questions I

had constantly been asking myself. This was an extremely emotionally difficult part of this

work, which at times, consumed me.

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I spoke with Charlie Burke of Mental health Ireland and Tony Bates of Headstrong Ireland, in

relation to how I will approach the individuals involved and also when I will be doing my

research. I hope to also speak to Headline to make sure my written piece has adhered to

ethically correct terminology, because as the writer I haven’t done writing or created a

documentary of this complex ethical nature, this will be a major learning process for me.

Evidence of Research Findings

The topic of suicide and young men in Ireland is not something that many individuals will

feel comfortable speaking about. Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death in Ireland.

National health organisations such as, the national institute of mental health and centres for

disease control and prevention, estimate that more than 90 per cent of people who die by

suicide suffered from mental health issues at the time.

Yet when suicide is covered in newspapers, the suicide act is overwhelmingly portrayed as

the result of personal problems rather than mental illness as a possible cause. Ireland

currently is equipped with a multitude of non profit organisations such as Aware, Samaritans

and Headstrong who relentlessly work for those with suicidal tendencies and for their

families. In Ireland during 2002, more than one male committed suicide everyday (371) and

is now the leading cause of death amongst young men: in the same period, 80 women

committed suicide in Ireland (McKeown & Clarke, 2004).

However the dramatic rise in suicides in recent years highlights the more general importance

of male mental health and has helped raise issues about the health and well being of men in

general. It is also worth noting that there were over 8,000 people who attempted suicide in

2002, over half them (58%) by women indicating that suicide is not exclusively a male

phenomenon (McKeown & Clarke, 2004).

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Irelands Suicide Rates on a Global Stage

Ireland’s suicide rate in 15-24 year old males is put in context when contrasted with Sri

Lanka, which holds the dubious position of being the country with the highest suicide rate

across all categories, in the world. Ireland currently has more suicides per capita than Sri

Lanka. The ongoing separatist war in Sri Lanka, which has raged since 1972, has been

responsible for the deaths of at least 60,000 people. Experts attribute the 23 daily suicides in a

population of 19.4 million to the psychological damage inflicted by such a protracted and

bloody war. Sri Lanka is a patently traumatised society. Why then is Ireland, a prosperous,

first world country which reputedly has never had it so good, witnessing suicide rate at such

unprecedented levels? (Byrne 2007)

Suicide amongst young males is certainly a serious problem within Irish society and needs to

be addressed at the core of fundamental elements of society such as, promoting greater

acceptance of suicide and suicide victims. Removing the stigma attached to suicide and

promoting greater more universal understanding of suicide and indeed the families that

suicide affects.

There is no dispute that suicide is preventable, however there is less agreement on how to do

this because suicide is difficult to predict due to its infrequent nature. For example, it has

been estimated that in order to correctly identify 10 people who will commit suicide out of

1,000 at risk, another 190 people would be incorrectly deemed to be at high risk. This high

rate of false positives makes it difficult to institute preventative action and has led one review

of the evidence to conclude that “there is no evidence that broadly applied suicide prevention

program has a long-term effect on national suicide rates” (Mckeown & Clarke 2004)

Graph one

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As you will see in graph one, the stagnant rates of suicides amongst females is steadily rising,

fluctuations between the 1960’s to the 1970’s can easily be identified However, if we look at

the male suicide rate we will

clearly see a dramatic rise from

1986 onwards. Only between

1996 and 1998 can we see a

dramatic drop, and rise again in

2000. My radio documentary

will aim to reiterate the statistics

above from a more personable

perspective with the use of

victims of suicide.

Findings and research conducted

within this thesis will highlight

the impact and penetration

health services are currently having within the complex realm of male suicide, and suggests

from those directly affected by suicide, to shed some light on some of the darkest corners of

male suicide and its devastating effects. Areas such as social stratification and education

plays a key role within male suicide, men who are homeless, convicted of crimes and or

addicted to drugs face powerful uphill battles with metal health problems such as depression,

insomnia and schizophrenia.

Evidence suggests that these problems are compounded and neglected. An overload happens

leading in some cases to death by suicide, if proper treatment is no sought (Bates 2011).

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Currently in Ireland, there is a real need for the Health Department to tailor and increase

awareness’ in and around the area of male suicide. Evidence also suggests that gender

imbalances in terms of figures, could play a key role in forming new strategies within the

shaping of policies that strictly target males.

The number of deaths by suicide fell steadily from 497 in 2003 to 458 in 2007. However, the

recently published CSO vital statistics for 2008 reported there were 506 suicides for that year,

an increase of 10.5 per cent over 2007. The provisional figures available for 2009 indicate a

further increase of 4 per cent to 527, the highest level of suicide deaths ever recorder in this

country. This would appear to indicate that a new higher level of suicides now pertains and

shows just how big of a challenge we face. The increase is mainly in men in the middle age

group. However, there has also been a rise in the number of women dying by suicide,

although the numbers are still significantly lower than in men.

A national monitoring programme by the name of Headline was introduced to promote

responsible and accurate coverage of mental health and suicide related issue with the Irish

media. Headline aims to highlight mental health issues and address the stigma attached to

emotional distress, suicidal behaviour and mental illness through the promotion of

responsible media coverage. This year, the national office for suicide prevention is working

to a more unified and consistent response to self harms presentations in accident and

emergency departments. This will include the development of clinical guidelines and

allocation of specialist staff to work with hospital emergency departments (Annual

Government Report, 2010).

“In the context of health, risk behaviours typically refer to those behaviours which increase

the risk of harm to a person or to others. Notable among the risk behaviours of men is

excessive use of alcohol, the use of illegal drugs, dangerous, dangerous driving causing

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accidents as well as involvement in crime. In all of these cases, men are much more likely to

engage in risk behaviour than women. This may be a contributing factor depicted in graph

two.

A recent review of evidence on alcohol by the health promotion unit concluded that men

drink about three times as much alcohol as women do, have a much higher prevalence of

binge drinking than women do and experience greater adverse consequences from drinking.

Another review concluded that “30 per cent of males and 8 per cent of female in patients in a

general hospital have been shown to have alcohol related problems” (O’Connell H, Chin A,

BA, 2003)

For many involved in male suicide prevention, they see their experiences as a priceless entity,

and so they should. But unfortunately we are failing to acknowledge that you don’t need to be

directly affected by suicide to become involved in suicide prevention. Areas of surprise are;

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the vast amounts of Irish males between the ages of 15- 24 whom succumb to the act of

suicide, the rate at which young males in Ireland are dying by suicide, this is not just a

community, local or regional problem. The sheer scale of male suicide that Ireland is

currently witnessing is a national epidemic and the situation needs serious attention. The

conclusion of this work is reiterating some alarming points which the evidence is depicting.

Areas such as social stratification and education play, and will continue to play, a key role

within male suicide.

In chapter two: Constructing the documentary, I hope to be able to convey to the reader the

time constraints, ethical implications and more importantly the real life stories behind the

statistics presented in previous chapters

Chapter Two: Constructing the Documentary

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This chapter aims to outline the process behind actually producing Breaking point whilst

highlighting the importance of certain aspects. It is important to note the complex nature of

Breaking point from a Journalistic position and also the human and emotional side. Breaking

point was meticulously planned and the implementation of that plan swiftly enabled the

production process to go relatively smooth. Failure of recording software in the initial stages

with Mr. Tony Bates set the tone for the rest of the radio documentary and at times made me

wonder could I complete my work.

Eventually I realised that in actual fact Breaking point didn’t need multiple tracks, prestigious

names or even great production software, I learned that I had a topic which was worthy of

attention. It wasn’t my job to impede the story, just to relay it to the listener with minimal

interference: sometimes this is the hardest thing to do as a producer because you are so close

to the work and you want it to be perfect.

Participants

Tony Bates of Headstrong Ireland.

Dr Tony Bates is founding director of Headstrong – The National Centre for Youth Mental

Health in Ireland. Headstrong is an independent charity committed to championing the

mental health needs of young people and to working with communities to design and

implement comprehensive systems of care and support for all young people.

Brian Fagan: Brian’s Brother died by suicide.

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This particular interview was by far, the hardest piece of journalistic work I have done to

date. I have conducted many interviews, but not of this ethical complexity. Even after

interviewing Brian, concerns of Brian s emotion came into my mind on a daily basis over the

coming days. Brian told his story in such a powerful narrative that in many respects other

individuals simply couldn’t have. Collected and composed Brian took me through the darkest

days of his and his family’s life, recounting the events of Kevin’s death. Breaking point to a

large extent is testament to people’s willingness to talk and to discuss complex issues,

although only when they are approached in the right manner.

Sourcing Interviews

Sourcing interviews was difficult in the initial stages as I really did not know what direction

is platform Breaking point would take. In the begging sourcing interviews from proven

academics and individuals who held influential positions within Irish society were my main

aims. This changed however, in the research stages the information being compiles begin to

all look the same and be of the same context. After listening to the Diary of Leanne Wolfe, an

award winning radio documentary on Radio Telifis Eireann real player, I had found the

context in which I would narrate Breaking point. Thankfully Brian became the centre and

heart of my documentary over time, as his powerful narrative a descriptive language

captivated me.

Dr. Tony Bates was also an essential component in the construction of Breaking point as he

provided and over view with easily identifiable patterns within Brian’s concerns and

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experiences. At this point, breaking point was really begging to come together and actually

the interviewees began to drive the narrative of the documentary.

At a student conference in RTE earlier in the year a radio documentary maker had told me the

following “A producer should have minimal interference with a radio documentary. When

the narrative is powerful enough, you as the producer just need to guide it and not become

overly influential within the work. The powerful stories and radio documentaries will in some

cases write the script themselves, you will feel it when it’s happening, all you need to do is

stand back from it”.

Main Aims and Targets

Breaking point alongside the written component of this work really covers the topic of

suicide in young men in Ireland effectively. The elements of the documentary are factual,

non-fi ction and balanced in its reporting. Breaking point focuses on one issue at hand, tells a

good story, informs and investigates an issue effectively. These are all key components of a

radio documentary. When Breaking point was listened to by family and friends for feedback

the results were extremely positive.

Approaches and Producers Method

My approach will consist of ethics, journalistic integrity and also good research skills. This

topic is worthy of attention, but in order to get to the emotive side of these terrible events,

you must go directly to those people effected by male suicide in Ireland.

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This is not an easy task and can also be emotionally draining and distressing. For me as a

researcher and producer of this documentary, I need to be careful, careful not to be engulfed

or sucked in by such a traumatic subject.

Review Process of the First Draft Documentary and questions I asked myself

How does the intro try to relate the issue to the listener’s frame of reference? Does it work?

Could you do better?

How does the narrative pull you in with the personal stories?

What role did he play emotionally and intellectually in the shape of this documentary?

What scenes did the reporter need to make the story work in each location?

What roles did the experts; play in the overall shape of the documentary?

Were they informational, emotional, and/or emotive?

How much is the narration vital to this documentary? In what ways? Why?

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Chapter Three: Review and Analysis

The technical complexity with a subject such as (Suicide and Males) “Breaking Point” is that

where do you start? Firstly we have to determine the term suicide which is a very complex

sensitive area where as a researcher you must tread carefully, because the people involved are

vulnerable and delicate. I conducted my research with young males and experts in the field. I

spoke to males between the ages of 12-24 to gain a greater understanding about male suicide

and the suffering process, of sufferers and their families.

These age groups are period’s where crucial decisions and key events shape and mould an

individual into the person they will become for the rest of their life. Men also face massive

amounts of pressure during this period in relation to their life, where they are going? Who

they are, and what they want to become? Young males especially find it difficult to speak

about bouts or even prolonged periods of depression simply because they feel ashamed and in

some cases do not want to burden other people with their problems.

This Dissertation through practise has assessed attitudes and will put forward

recommendations directed towards male suicide in Ireland, whilst provide a unique insight

into how and why this area is so important. Male suicide in Ireland needs to be brought to the

fore of both local and national governments agendas. It needs to be incorporated at a

grassroots level in order to educate and equip communities and individuals in dealing with

male suicide. Dr. Tony Bates stressed the importance for individuals to rely on one another

for emotional support because all too often “men refuse to express their feelings adequately,

and this unfortunately leads to disastrous irreversible actions in some cases.

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Irish society itself needs to light the way, to come out from behind the curtain. We need to

acknowledge that yes; we do have a serious problem within Irish society that is ripping

communities and families apart on a daily basis. Evidence detailed within this dissertation

directly highlights that there are vast amounts of organisation spanning the length and breadth

of the country tackling male suicide head on.

Early major points made such as, Suicide is becoming more accepted within Irish society,

the norm, not simply because it is an inevitable non preventable act, but because it is

becoming extremely common. This is simply unacceptable for any democratic society. How

can we as a society value ourselves and life if we allow this attitude manifest, or allow

suicide to become an accepted phenomenon (Bates 2012).

The above information undermines our ability as a nation to provide adequate care for

citizens of this island who are most in danger. Male suicide doesn’t simply just happen nor is

it something that is meant to happen, it is a mirror image of our society and our society.

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Appendices

Key talking points and interview questions

1) How they feel about male suicide in Ireland?

2) Why do they feel Male suicide is such a problem in Ireland?

3) When and how has suicide affected them?

4) What’s the most effective way of overcoming suicidal thoughts?

5) Where do they see the future of male suicide prevention programmes?

Talking Points

• Intro thread will be an interviewee’s account of the suicide victim’s life.

• Note the use of multiple voices

• The person identify is himself/herself and starts remembering. (There is no writing here –

no tracks)Note sound at top of the memory. Did it have to be from that day?

• The use of memories; these will be descriptive, so descriptive you think you see what is

happening.

• A total of two tracks will be used throughout the documentary, although one hasn’t been

decided as of yet, it will more than likely be an instrumental piece.

• Documentary will also rely heavily on the use of sound effects i.e. groups of people,

creaking doors, crying etc.

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• This is followed with dead air; this will be an effective tool especially in a documentary of

this nature. I plan on using this sporadically and effectively.

• Contrast and comparison between Tony recommendations and experience and the

experience of the interviewee’s.

• Main aim is to gain emotional and thoughtful engagement with the audience.

Detailed below is a detailed table and timeline of the working involved in compiling this

dissertation.

14th January

2012

Have proposal back + Make corrections and

meet supervisor

NB

Jan Week 3 Begin Running order

+

Have soundtracks and

main music bed

selected and ready

Jan Week 4 Contact experts in the

field+

Try conduct the

interviews in this

week

Tony Bates

Dan Neville

Charlie Burke

Carol Wardlaw

Feb Week 1 Begin to conduct

interviews with

contributors+

Finish Interviews this

week/week and a half

Feb week 3 Begin compilation of Have completed

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completed works+ edited interviews and

soundtracks

Feb week 4 Have a completed

Documentary for

supervisor

March week 1

and 2

6,000 word

dissertation and have

a half or ¾’s done

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Reading list and schedule

Date Book /PDF Author

January week 1+2 The New Black Darian Leader

January Week 2 Flagging The Problem Dr. Harry Barry

January Week 3 Men an Masculinities Multiple author’s see bio

January Week 4 Male Mental Health in

Ireland

KIERAN MCKEOWN &

MADELEINE CLARKE

February Week 1 Responding to suicide

clusters

Idodrill

February Week 2 Samaritans Suicide report

2011

Samaritans

February Week 3 HSE Annual Report 2010 National Office Suicide

Prevention

March Week 1 Explaining suicide among

black and white males

Charis E. Kubrin,

Tim Wadsworth

March Week 2 Suicide Stigma in the Media Valica Boudry

March Week 3 National Office for Suicide

Prevention

Annual Report 2007

Suicide Prevention

March Week 4

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April Week 1

Ethical Implications

I don’t regret taking on such an emotional topic, in actual fact it has made me much more

knowledgeable, and in hindsight a more centred stable individual. My radio Documentary

was extremely tough, I was speaking to people who had grappled with the demon that is male

suicide, some had faced it head on and tackled their issues with every ounce of strength they

possessed physically and emotionally, while others transformed their own experiences into

energy to help those who are most vulnerable. Suicide is like a minefield, we as individuals

need a map before we can pass through this field, and it is here that the biggest fight will take

place, equipping young people with these maps in order to guide them across safely.

The reason I tackled this subject is because, yes, I was affected by suicide, I had questions

that I felt were important enough and that deserved to be answered, but if it is one thing any

individual should take from this work it is this: Male suicide is a real problem within Irish

and it is not going to go away or vanish. Irish society needs to accept that we are passing

through some extremely turbulent times and that in some cases all we have got is each other,

something we as a society sold off cheaply during the boom years, but thankfully the candle

was not entirely blown out, it is beginning to reignite itself once more as community spirit

and cohesion is beginning to rise once more.

The together approach is the only way that suicide will lose this laborious battle, money is

only on small particle within our skill set, an essential particle none the less, but our most

powerful and important tool is our ability to provide that much needed shoulder to whoever it

may be that may need it. Irish society needs to bring to the fore the ability to empathize and

understand that anybody can find themselves in situations where there mental health is under

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threat, but you have choices and also individuals and organisations alike who are waiting to

help.

Conclusion

The above dissertation through practice assesses a multitude of areas in relation to the topic

of male suicide in Ireland, and puts forward some reasons as to why male suicide is so

prominent within Irish society. This dissertation and radio documentary provides a bleak and

sometimes morally challenging account as to why Ireland is currently failing in its battle with

male suicide. The above work and radio documentary would strongly put the argument

forward that individual education and locally supported initiatives are the way forward as a

pose to national organisation’s rolling out one single plan to tackle male suicide.

That is not to undermine or discredit any of the tremendous work organisations are currently

doing, but highlighting some flawed areas and making adjustments accordingly are certainly

the way forward. The presented study was undertaken with limited academic knowledge

initially of the subject matter, but the key aim was to promote, understand and highlight areas

which need to be addressed in order for Irish society to collectively put our best foot forward

in conjunction with the supporting evidence. It is no surprise that not just male suicide but

suicide in general has increased dramatically during the economic crisis.

Men, who are homeless, convicted of crimes and or addicted to drugs face powerful uphill

battles with metal health problems such as depression, insomnia and schizophrenia. Current

evidence which has highlighted the differentiation between physical and mental illness have

proved detrimental in terms of tackling suicide and the implementation of health service

programmes targeting a variety of these illnesses.“This too may account for the fact that

services addressing physical illness are vastly more resources and developed compared to

mental illness. However mental and physical illness is often linked since “research

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demonstrates that mental health is the key to overall physical health” (Mckeown & Clarke,

2004).

Indications from this study have highlighted the need for an individual approach in tackling

male suicide. Applying this initiative at grass roots level will not only provide the best

possible insight into the current problem but also contribute to establishing future frameworks

and foundations which we as a society can collectively build on and strengthen. The in-depth

insights and academic commentary provide throughout this work has identified and assists

our understanding of just how important the future role of the individual and their community

will play.

In order for Ireland to move forward in a positive light in relation to male suicide we need to

implement a community based plan incorporating local GAA, soccer and athletic clubs and

also increase accessibility to those effected by suicide and also those who may be suffering

with their mental health. We need to begin working from the bottom tier of the social

problem working our way up continuously until we have reached a satisfactory point of

which we all can be proud of, until then we will continue to fight a problem we as a nation

truly understand very little about.

Dr. Tony Bates summed up suicide in Ireland within this quote, “Problems can start to

develop when a gap between who we really are and who we feel we should be gets too wide,

and when we find ourselves working hard to cover up our flaws and win the approval and

acceptance of others. Trying to be something we are not can become addictive as the payoff

from others when we achieve great things and get rewarded with their praise feels good. The

effort can be exhausting though and that exhaustion can lead to depression. At some point we

may need to stop and give ourselves time to close the gap between our private self and our

public self.

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Personal revelations need a safe space and someone you can trust. Most of us need to talk

about what we find hard to accept about whom we are and the ways we may not be managing

our lives. We may need time to reconcile different aspects of our lives before ever speaking

about these things in any public way. Sudden exposure can be very unsettling and especially

hard when the reactions you get are not quite what you hoped for”. (Bates 2012)

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Bibliography

Books

Byrne, 2007 Facing up to Suicide, a pastoral approach, Awarness Education Office

Charis E. Kubrin, Tim Wadsworth, 2009, Suicide Research, Explaining Suicide among

Blacks and Whites: How Socioeconomic Factors and Gun Availability Affect Race-Specific

Suicide Rates

Darian Leader, 2009, The New Black, Published by Hamish Hamilton published January 1st

Dr. Harry Barry, 2007, Flagging the Problem, Liberty Press

Ferguson, H. 2002. Men and masculinities in late-modern Ireland. In A man’s world?

Changing men’s practices in a globalized world, edited by B. Pease and K. Pringe. London:

Zed.

Health Service Executive 2007, National Office for Suicide Prevention, Annual Report

Health Service Executive 2011, National Office for Suicide Prevention, Annual Report,

Health Service Executive Samaritans and Suicide, 2011, Statistics Report

Iodrill, Guidance Document Health Service Executive, April 2011, Responding to Suicide

Clusters

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Jeff Hearn, Keith Pringle, Ursula Muller, Elzbieta Olesky, Emmi Lattu, Janna Chernova,

Harry Ferguson, Øyster Gullavag, Holter Voldemar, Kolga, Irina Novikova 2001, Men and

Masculinities

Madeline Clarke, 2004, Mental Health in Ireland for Suicide Prevention

Paul Corcoran, Ella Arensman, and Desmond O’Mahony, 2006, National Suicide Research

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Psychobiographical and, Visual Arts Autopsy Project

Valica Boudry, 2008, Suicide story frames contribute to stigma, Newspaper Research

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Websites

Annual Reports and Statistical information available at:

http://www.nosp.ie/

Annual Reports and Statistical information available at

http://www.nosp.ie/mortality_statistics.pdf

Central Statisctic office available at:

http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/vitalstats/2010/

vstats_q42010.pdf

Oireachtas Reports and minutes of suicide debate 2012 available at:

http://debates.oireachtas.ie/seanad/2012/01/12/00007.asp

Suicide and the recession available at:

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/suicide-on-rise-as-recession-takes-its-toll-

2239534.html

Tony bates and the Jigsaw programme available at:

http://www.headstrong.ie/

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Journals

Datta, Frewen, The Irish Medical Times, 2010

www.imt.ie/.../ 2010 /.../the-economic-and-social-costs-of-mental-ill-h .

Men and Masculinities January 2007 vol. 9 no. 3 337-357, Andil Gosine York University

http://jmm.sagepub.com.ezproxy.gcd.ie:2048/content/9/3/337.refs

O’Connell H, Chin A, BA, 2003.Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine Vol 20 Pg 109-

110,

P Corcoran, HS Keeley, - The European Journal, 2004 - Oxford University Press The

incidence and repetition of attempted suicide in Ireland,

http://eurpub.oxfordjournals.org/content/14/1/19.full.pdf+html

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