The Facts About Suicide
Understanding the Reality of Suicide in Northern Ireland
Despite over £7 million being spent annually on suicide prevention in Northern Ireland, 221 deaths were officially registered as suicides in 2023, representing an increase from the 203 suicides registered in 2022.
Of the 221 suicide deaths, 171 (77.4%) were male, and 50 (22.6%) were female. The overall suicide rate was 13.3 deaths per 100,000 population. For males, the rate increased from 19.2 per 100,000 in 2022 to 20.9 in 2023, while for females, it rose from 5.7 to 5.9 per 100,000. A significant disparity was observed, with 28.5% of suicides occurring in the most deprived areas, compared to 13.1% in the least deprived areas.
It's important to note that suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental health challenges, socioeconomic conditions, and access to support services. Efforts to prevent suicide require a comprehensive approach, encompassing mental health support, community engagement, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.
Suicide prevention efforts have been ongoing since the launch of the Protect Life Suicide Prevention Strategy in 2005, yet suicide remains a major public health crisis.
Seamus McCabe, CEO of PIPS Hope & Support, explains:
"Suicide is an extremely complex issue. High levels of deprivation, the legacy of conflict, and widespread mental ill-health create a very challenging set of circumstances for many people. There is no single explanation for why someone chooses to die by suicide, but it is rarely due to one particular factor. Mental health struggles, alcohol and substance misuse, and feelings of desperation or hopelessness all play a role."
At PIPS Hope & Support, we recognise that suicide prevention requires a holistic, community-led approach. While significant funding has been allocated to suicide prevention, more action, awareness, and accessible support services are needed to truly address the crisis.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Call us on: 028 3026 6195 or Email: info@pipshopeandsupport.org