This article is from page 16 of the 2008-01-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
THERE were 17 suspected suicides in Clare last year, according to provi- sional figures provided by the Clare County Coroner’s Office. Sixteen of the deceased were male.
This is an increase on the 13 lives lost through suicide in 2006 and 10 in 2005. It also eclipses the 12 road deaths in Clare last year.
The figures show that in 2007 – for the second year running – suicide in Clare was a predominantly rural- based phenomenon, with I1 of the 17 suspected suicides taking place in rural Clare.
In relation to the profile of those af- fected, the figures show that young males were the most vulnerable. Those aged in their 20s were most likely to commit suicide, with six men in this age bracket losing their Taerse
Three men in their 30s, 40s and SOs also lost their lives through suicides.
Two suspected suicides occurred at the Cliffs of Moher. In contrast, there were none at the cliffs during 2006 or 2005, though there were four sus- pected suicides there in 2004.
The figures also show that the largest proportion of suicides took
place, once more, during the summer rnaKeyeld else
Last year, over a third of the total number of suicides (six) occurred during the month of June. There were two in May and two in July.
Consultant psychiatrist, Dr Moosa- jee Bhamjee said that it was worry- ing that the numbers of suicides are
increasing in Clare.
“It 1s a source of concern and | would say to people that there 1s help available and for friends or family to intervene on a friend or a family member’s behalf if they feel that they are in trouble,” he said.
“I feel that there isn’t enough of an emphasis on older people being vul- nerable to suicide. Often older peo- ple won’t go for help and their de- pressions can be prolonged and quite deep. But these suicides are prevent- able if help is sought.”
Dr Bhamjee also called on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to have in place more resources to deal with mental health issues and to pro- vide quicker access to services for those requiring assistance.
On suicide being an almost exclu- sively male phenomenon in Clare last year, Dr Bhamjee said: “Men don’t seek help because of pride and because they have difficulty talking about their feelings.”
The Samaritans in Ennis can be contacted on 6829777.