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= Suicide in Ireland = In 2016, Ireland has the 66th highest suicide rate in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. It has the 10th highest suicide rate in the EU in 2014, according to the OECD.

Suicide rates in Ireland were considered relatively low as compared to other European countries. However, suicide rates has been rising constantly since the 1980s and in 2009, suicide rates of people under 25 years old was ranked the 4th highest in the EU, with a rate of 14.4 per 100,000 population.

Age
Although age standardised suicide rate in Ireland were relatively low both globally and in the EU, youth suicide rates has been seen to be notable. This was shown especially in 2012, when suicide rates among young people aged between 15 to 29 were significantly high. This age group accounted for 8.5% of all suicide deaths in Ireland.

Gender
On average, suicide among men were seen to be significantly higher than suicide among women. Men were at least 4 times more suicidal than women.

In the latest data available, in 2016, the suicide rate of males were 17.6 per 100,000 population and 4.2 per 100,000 population for females.

In a period between 2001 and 2014, the highest suicide rate was found to be males ranging from the ages of 45 to 54, with a rate of 32.3 per 100,000 population and the lowest suicide rate was males aged 65 and above in 2012. On the other hand, the suicide rate among females aged between 45 and 54 was highest in 2012, at a number of 7.1 per 100,000 population. The lowest suicide rate among females was found to be ages between 65 and above.

Methods
The most common method used for suicide is hanging.

It was found that hanging is the most popular method used for suicide as it is quick and easy to carry out.

However, self poisoning was found to be the method more approached by adults. This includes drug overdose and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Self harm
Incidences of self harm were also becoming notable. In a time period between 2007 and 2010, there has been a 20% rise in the occurrences of self-harm in Ireland. Self harm among men had the largest increase, with a number of 162 to 211 per 100,000 population, which is an increase of 30%. During the same period, rate of self harm among women had an increase of 10%. Although both genders had an increase in the rate of self harm, the gap between them were becoming less prominent.

The economic recession in Ireland had its effects on the working age group. The period of economic recession between 2008 and 2013, the largest increase in self harm rate were men aged 45 to 54, which is an increase of 11% and women aged 15 to 24, with an increase of 12%, followed by women aged 45 to 64, with an increase of 7%.

Socioeconomic factors
Economic downturns were seen to have its relation to suicidal behaviour. Unemployment in Ireland was estimated to be around 4% between 2000 to 2007. However, in 2008, with the economic recession in Ireland, unemployment grew by twice. In 2012, unemployment rates became worse at 15% and Ireland experienced one of the highest rates of emigration as it became highly indebted among the EU members. With the increasing levels of unemployment and increasing debt in the post-recession period, suicide was significant among men, especially those who were in their working ages.

Alcohol and substance abuse
Ireland has had one of the highest alcohol consumption rate in Europe. According to WHO data in 2010, it is the 21st highest alcohol consumption, with a rate of 11.9 litres per capita.

Alcohol and substance abuse related issues were recognised in 22% of suicide cases in Ireland.

In a 2013 study done by Long and Mongan, it was shown that people aged 18 to 24 in Ireland had a high chance of binge drinking compared to people aged 25 to 34. Studies have also revealed that binge drinking possibly leads to various issues such as suicidal behaviour and inability to concentrate in school or work. It was reported that the relationship between binge drinking and suicidal behaviour was highly significant among younger teenagers aged 13 and below as compared to older teenagers.

Mental health issues
Studies have shown that suicides that occur in countries that earn higher income had a higher chance of having mental health issues. Furthermore, depression was highly associated to suicidal behaviour.

Responses
With the aims of reducing suicide rates through bringing mental health awareness towards the public, a national strategy called "Connecting for Life" was introduced in 2014 by the former Minister for Primary Care, Social Care and Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch T.D. "Connecting for Life" was further developed through Ireland's first suicide prevention strategy called "Reach Out" which was developed in 2005 and carried forward until 2014. The strategy involves the efforts of the government, national agencies and organisations, including the Health Service Executive (HSE) and National Youth Council of Ireland. It includes a wide range of health and social polices that promotes well-being and emphasises the importance of mental health. This includes studying the public's awareness and their understanding of mental health, the provision of online mental health support services and information and campaigns to reduce suicidal behaviour.