Connecting for Life Goal 1: Improved Understanding

To improve the nation’s understanding of and attitudes to suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing.

Goal one of Connecting for Life, Ireland's national strategy to reduce suicide 2015-2020, aims to improve the nation’s understanding of and attitudes to suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing.

While there is a growing national dialogue around mental health and wellbeing, people in Ireland remain hesitant to talk openly about their own mental health, and misperceptions about suicidal behaviour persist. The language relating to suicide and mental health is often stigmatising or misleading. Inadequate or ill-informed media reporting can add to this problem. Mental health problems are a major risk factor for suicide. By working with people and organisations across society, including the media, we can achieve a greater understanding of suicide and the factors that protect and improve our mental health and reduce stigma.

Objectives

1.1 Improve population-wide understanding of suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing, and associated risk and protective factors.

1.2 Increase awareness of available suicide prevention and mental health services.

1.3 Reduce stigmatising attitudes to mental health and suicidal behaviour at population level and within priority groups.

1.4 Engage and work collaboratively with the media in relation to media guidelines, tools and training programmes to improve the reporting of suicidal behaviour within broadcast, print and online media.