• Northern Ireland has a population of approximately 1.7 million
• In 2010, 313 deaths were registered as suicides (source: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency). This is a significant increase on the previous year.
  
• During the period 1999 to 2009, a total of 2,258 deaths were registered as suicide (source: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency).
• The number of male suicides has increased steadily over recent years (during the late 1990’s and the early 2000’s). The female suicide rate has remained relatively constant over the same period.
• Protect Life: A Shared Vision is the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy & Action Plan (2006 – 2011). Click here for more information.
  
• The number of deaths registered as suicide in 2005 was 213, in 2006 it was 291, in 2007 it was 242, in 2008 it was 282 and in 2009 it was 260 (source: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency).

Statistics for the years 1999 - 2003 showed:

• More males die as a result of suicide than in transport accidents
• More males die through suicide than as a result of either accidental falls or poisoning
• More females die as a result of suicide than in transport accidents but fewer die as a result of suicide than from other external causes and accidental falls
• Incidents of suicide were most common in those aged between 25 to 34 years
• Suicide rates tended to be higher in urban than in rural areas

Unless otherwise stated, the above information was sourced from the Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation documents. 

• Suicide doesn’t just affect the younger generations - approximately one in eight of all suicides in Northern Ireland are in the over-60 age group (BBC News, June 2007).
  
• At a time when the suicide rate in Northern Ireland appears to be increasing, it may surprise you to know that the person behind this site is currently unemployed even though she has an extensive background in psychology.

If you need someone to talk to now...

Lifeline can be contacted on 0808 808 8000

Lifeline can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and calls are free from all landlines and mobile phones.

Samaritans can be contacted on 08457 90 90 90

Websites and points of contact

Note: The links are provided as a convenience only and should not be taken as an endorsement of any website, content, product or service. Visits to linked websites are at your own risk.

www.ageconcernni.org: Age Concern Northern Ireland is a voluntary organisation concerned with improving the quality of life for all older adults in Northern Ireland.

www.heads-away-just-say.com: bereavement, relationship problems, depression, self-harm, peer pressure, bullying, school pressure, sex, alcohol, drugs and problems at home can be some of the difficulties young people and teenagers experience. This website suggests advice and help for dealing with such issues and provides contact details for many relevant organisations in Northern Ireland.

www.heademotionalwellbeing.com: We are all vulnerable to emotional and mental distress, with at least 1 in 4 of us experiencing such distress at some time in our lives. We can all improve our emotional wellbeing, understand it better, nurture and look after it. How do you view mental health? What are the myths and truths? We all need to change our thinking and more importantly our behaviour. This website can help.

www.help4kids.co.uk: This web site was conceived by the Northern Board to assist children, young people, their parents and professionals. It contains details and information on many (not all) of the services which exist to support children and young people with emotional or mental health issues.

www.mentalhealthwest.com: a website aimed, in part, at members of the public who would like information on the main mental health problems, in particular depression and anxiety. The 'Find a Service' section provides details of a range of mental health related services across the Western and North West regions of Northern Ireland.

www.mindingyourhead.info: from The Health Promotion Agency in Northern Ireland, this website contains information relevant to young people, adults, older people and professionals. The website has a Directory of Services relevant to Northern Ireland

www.niamh.co.uk: the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health provides services for those with mental health needs, their carers, mental health professionals and other agencies.

Downloadable information

'Look After Yourself and Others'. A downloadable poster for those living in the northern area. It provides useful contacts for practical support and services to help improve mental health and emotional well being'. Download the poster here

Supporting suicide prevention in Northern Ireland