Madam, - In recent weeks a lot has been written about the problem of suicide in Ireland. With the exception of road accidents, it is the biggest killer of young men in this country. A research study reported in your newspaper last October 21st emphasised the link between alcohol and suicide. In the wake of the tragic death of two young men in Co Monaghan recently the Archbishop of Armagh spoke of "a culture of despair" glorified by rock music and popular culture.
It appears to me that both views represent a great simplification of the issue. In order to find a solution to the problem of suicide we need to look at the causes rather than the symptoms. Suicide occurs as a result of deep sadness and depression.
There are many reasons for the increasing prevalence of depression. Causes that have been identified as particularly characteristic to Irish society include boredom, child abuse, sexual confusion and difficulties relating to mental health.
In order to tackle the Irish suicide epidemic we need to look at the following key areas: the provision of recreational facilities for young people, mental health education, the availability of counselling services and the outdated practice of single-sex education. Nanny-state ideology is insufficient; practical action needs to be taken. - Yours, etc.,
DANNY COMERFORD, Dunmurray, Kildare, Co Kildare.
Madam, - How insensitive of Angela Macnamara (January 6th) to suggest that parents are primarily to blame for the high suicide rate among young people in Ireland. Depression is an extremely complicated phenomenon for which there can be no definitive "Top 20" reasons or solutions.
Parents who live with the incalculable grief and heartbreak of losing a child to suicide should not have to be subjected to Ms Macnamara's self-righteous and unfounded theorising.
Perhaps a few words of comfort and support might be a more Christian approach than the apportioning of blame and engendering of guilt. - Yours etc.,
MARGARET McGLYNN, Troyswood, Kilkenny.