The rate of suicide among Irish males is five times higher than that of Irish females and young men are particularly at risk, according to a new report.

The Report on the All-Ireland Young Men and Suicide Project states that suicide is a major cause of death among young males here.

While the rate of male suicide in Ireland overall is relatively low in relation to the European Union (EU), ‘the rate among young males is among the highest in the EU'.

The report noted that hanging is the most used method of suicide in Ireland, especially among young males.

Furthermore while in the past, rates of deliberate self harm (DSH) have been higher among females, when it comes to young people, rates of DSH are now higher among young males.

"The recent spike in suicide rates among young males in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland coincides with the economic downturn and increasing levels of unemployment," the report said.

It pointed out that the factors most often associated with the rise in suicide rates among young males are income inequality, family difficulties, problems with peers, problems with school, low self-esteem and violence.

The report also noted that men are less likely to seek help for problems such as depression, instead turning to other outlets such as alcohol abuse. However alcohol and drug abuse can increase the risk of suicide.

Gay men can also experience shame and stigma because of their sexuality and as a result, ‘higher rates of suicide are common among gay men'.

The report emphasises that there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling this complex problem. It demands a ‘very comprehensive and multi-layered response that seeks to intervene at a number of different levels and that involves a range of key stakeholders'.

"There can be no room for inertia or ambivalence - there is both a public health and a moral requirement to act," the report said.

It made a number of recommendations to help tackle this problem, including:
-Planning services with and for young men
-Targeting the area of early intervention and providing appropriate services to those at risk
-Expanding interventions that tackle drug and alcohol abuse in young men
-Developing a one-day training programme for all frontline health staff on how to effectively engage with young males.