A campaign to highlight the risk posed to mental health by unemployment and financial turmoil has been launched by the Health Service Executive’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP).
The office said today it had begun to distribute more than 100,000 leaflets and pocket information cards with advice on how look after your mental health in “tough” economic times.
The leaflets, which contain details of various support agencies around the country, are to be made available to those who are unemployed or experiencing financial difficulties.
The agency said that even among people with no record of mental illness, unemployment is still associated with about a 70 per cent greater suicide risk.
Financial difficulties and job insecurity are significant factors in depression, anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts, it said.
NOSP consulted with organisations such as Money Advice Budgeting Service and Citizens' Information Centres, to draw up its information campaign which it said was aimed at supporting those under stress or those in contact with someone experiencing mental health difficulties.
Speaking at today’s launch, NOSP director Geoff Day said: "It is unclear how the current economic situation will impact on suicide rates but we do know from research that increased unemployment is one of a number of key factors."
Mr Day said: “Individuals, friends, family and employers can all play a part in reducing the potential impact of the recession on suicide rates.”
“Being aware of when someone's mental health may be affected by financial strain and knowing the support services that are available to help is an important step in combating increasing suicide rates,” he said.
Professor Richard Price of the University of Michigan said: "This launch signals an extremely promising new evidence-based program for people facing challenging work and life transitions. It will give people in Ireland hope and new skills in successfully pursuing life changing opportunities."
