World Suicide Prevention Day: Four in five suicides in Ireland are men

Suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 15 to 29 in Ireland. 

The call comes as figures show men continue to be disproportionately affected by suicide. Latest reported figures show four in five deaths by suicide are by men and it is the leading cause of death among men aged 15 to 29 in Ireland. 

Pieta House research found almost half of Irish people surveyed have worried that someone close to them may be at risk of suicide, yet more than half (59%) say fear of saying the wrong thing would make them hesitate before starting a conversation.

According to Movember’s latest report, An Update on Movember’s Real Face of Men’s Health, men in Ireland are 4.6 times more likely to die by suicide than women.

In 2022 alone, 79% of all deaths by suicide were among men. The report also highlights that Ireland’s high male suicide rate, has remained largely unchanged from where it stood ten years ago and is still one of the top five causes of premature mortality among men in Ireland.

Its research also found strong public support for more open discussion of men’s health including suicide (75%), loneliness (70%) and mental health challenges (62%).

Almost all GPs surveyed (97%) said they had encountered male patients experiencing suicide or suicidal ideation. At the same time, GPs highlighted gaps in confidence and resources. Nearly one quarter (24%) of Irish GPs said they are not confident at all in working with suicidal men, while just 14% said they are very confident.

“Behind every statistic is a man, a family and a community that deserves more support and more hope.

Pieta is reminding anyone worried about someone close to them that its 24/7 Crisis Helpline on 1800 247 247 can provide support and information on what to do next.

Visit pieta.ie for further information