Those are the stark facts, which, of course, tell us nothing about the state of mind of those who take this dreadful step. Nor do they tell us of the heart wrenching agony of those who are left behind, family and friends. The fact that it is frequently unanswerable is not enough to stop them asking the questions. The reasons why people, mostly young, and mostly male, take this terrible action are extremely complex, and there are no easy solutions. However, psychologist Maureen Geoffrey points to an area where the Churches should be able to help.
People have much less time for their neighbours and family, less time for volunteering.
That rise in disconnectedness coincides almost exactly with the epidemic rise in clinical depression and male suicide rates. I am sure that she has put her finger on something very important there. Life in Ireland today is moving at such speed that many people are experiencing an increasing sense of isolation. The growth in the number of suicides highlights our increasing loss of a sense of community. That strong sense of community which was such a marked feature of Irish life in the past has been seriously weakened and in places is in danger of disappearing altogether.