Polydrug use linked to rise in suicides in local community
Local Fianna Fail Councillor, Charlie O’Connor has urged HSE to ensure Mental Health Services in Tallaght are properly resourced to respond to the genuine concerns of the local community in respect of the high level of suicides in the area. O’Connor, who is one of the party’s General Election Candidates in Dublin South West, raised the matter during this month’s Dublin Regional Health Forum.
He said, “Since January 2016, there have been 40 suicides recorded in a proportion of Tallaght communities. “Sadly however, this number is not necessarily indicative of the scale of
the issue across the Dublin South-West area as a whole. “Suicide affects people and families of all demographics and from all walks of life – there is no such thing as a classic case of suicide. In fact the suicides which have occurred in Dublin South in the past 12 months have been 50% female, 50% male which is contrary to national data on suicide.
“Tallaght’s phenomenon is unique and therefore requires a specialised response from HSE services to prevent any further rise. He added, “There are a number of wonderful, volunteer led services in Tallaght such as HOPE and Pieta House but supporting the public against suicide should not solely fall on their shoulders.
“The HSE must take a certain degree of responsibility to assure the public that adequate services are available to their loved ones at a time of mental health crisis.
“I have urged national health services to effectively address the genuine concerns raised by the community in relation to these suicides and have suggested that a detailed report is issued on the level of co-ordinated response in Tallaght. He concluded, “I deeply sympathise with all the families affected by suicide, particularly those who have been recently bereaved. I will continue to ensure that the HSE fulfil its commitments to provide services to help those with mental health or addiction issues and that they are given every support to prevent suicide.”
