Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. He has been a positive influence in the area of health because of his experience of life and the job he held. I particularly applaud Senators Brady and Brian Hayes who sought this debate. Senator Brady first called for it and others saw its wisdom. It is a salutary lesson for people to take stock of what is a serious issue and reflect on the huge numbers involved. There must be reasons behind them.

Senator Moylan said that other countries had managed to surmount the pinnacle and begin the descent. Suicide causes a hugely traumatic and difficult situation, first for the person who takes their life because they are clearly at a crisis point when they decide to do so and, second, for the families who are left behind.

Senator Hanafin said people should speak out about depression and those affected should seek help. For some reason it is a no-no for Irish people to speak out on such issues. I would like to know if this is an international phenomenon too. Greater difficulties can arise if a person is not cushioned by a loving family or does not have someone he or she can confide in.

Depression can take many forms but in this instance we are talking about the preponderance of this condition among young males. Young men find it more difficult to confide, talk, reach out or seek solace than do women. Women are, in a very ordinary sense, used to chatter and gossip and all the things one might think they fill their days with. Women are used to this from a young age and perhaps it acts as a release in difficult periods of their lives. The hormonal forces which kick in at the beginning of puberty in young women helps them find equilibrium as they move through life cycles. Young women can confide in the women in their extended families.

There is a macho element in Irish society where young men are supposed to have a stiff upper lip and bear hardship with stoicism. I do not know if this is the case in other societies. It is a huge help if one feels one can unburden oneself to a trusted person. Depression should not be the subject of innuendo and sly comments; this surely deters many people from admitting to such an illness.