The number of young men in the province who take their own lives is causing concern. Hugh O’Donnell and Eric Wilkinson look at the possible causes and solutions

This article highlights the problem of suicide, especially in younger males, in Northern Ireland (NI). UK and international epidemiological data are used to compare suicide rates with Northern Ireland and risk factors implicated in suicide in the region are also discussed. The authors conclude with an examination of the strategic policy response to this problem and the possible reasons why suicide prevention has, as yet, had limited success in NI.