More and more teenagers are attempting to take their own lives, according to an Irish suicide prevention centre.
New figures released by Pieta House state that 239, or 22 per cent, of the 1,063 patients the centre treated for suicidal related issues and self-harm in 2010 were people under the age of 18 years.
The highest age profile that received treatment there in 2010 were 26-44-year-olds (29 per cent), closely followed by those in the 18-25-year-old category (28 per cent).
Reacting to the figures, Joan Freeman, founder and CEO of Pieta House, said suicide is usually a result of a life crisis.
“Nine out of ten people who take their own life have no history of mental illness or psychiatric disorder.”
He added that “Pieta House is there to help people get through their crisis. Our long-term goal is to have a Pieta House no more than 100 miles from every person in the country. We have a long way to go, and we need the support of the public to help us raise funds to reach or goal”.
The 2010 figures show that 235 individuals who had attempted to take their own life attended the centre during 2010. A further 70 per cent of all cases presented with suicidal thoughts, with a third of these people also engaging in self-harm.
The centre said it has helped 4,000 people since it opened for business in 2006.
Meanwhile, the charity is appealing to the public to support its annual Darkness into Light walk/run fundraising event on 7 May.
Pieta House said it expects 4,000 people to participate in the 5km course in six locations – Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Cork, Clare and Kerry – beginning at 4am anf finishing while dawn is breaking. Entrants can walk or jog the course at their own pace, and there will be a special running lane for those that enjoy a challenge.
The event is supported by some of Ireland’s most famous sporting faces, including GAA veteran commentator Micháel Ó Muircheartaigh, Operation Transformation guru Kathryn Thomas and Ireland rugby boss Declan Kidney.
To register for Darkness to Light 2011, or to find more information on Pieta House, visit www.pieta.ie.
