Recession caused almost 500 extra suicides, research claims
There were almost 500 more suicides between 2008 and 2012 than there would have been if Ireland had not gone into recession.
A study by the National Suicide Research Foundation has revealed the rate of suicide among men at the end of 2012 was 57% higher than if the recession had not hit.
The equivalent rate for women was 7 % higher.
The amount of people who self-harmed during that period also increased.
One of the authors of the report, Professor Ella Arensman from the National Suicide Research Foundation, said another study in Cork also points to a strong link between unemployment, debt and suicide.
"During the recession, amongst people who died from suicide, 33% were unemployed, and nearly half of them had their last job in the construction sector ... [which] was very clearly affected by the economic recession," she said.
"In addition to the work-related factors, we also found high levels of alcohol abuse and depression."
She said the removal of medical cards and other supports during a time of economic crisis should not happen, and called for an increase in alcohol prices during recession.
