AN absence of dialogue and communication in the family home is a major contributor to the growing number of suicides in the region.
That is the view of Fr Joe Young who, in his own words, has been highlighting the problem for years -”but unfortunately, few have been prepared to listen”.
Inside the last few years, he told the Limerick Post, he attended almost as many funerals of suicide victims as for those who died from natural causes.
“What is happening out there is frightening—there was a period recently when I attended two suicide funerals per week.
“It is not too long ago when suicide was most prevalent in council estates-nowadays it is all around us, even in the most plush suburbs and throughout the county”.
When he was growing up in the Janesboro area, he added, it was the norm to sit around the family table at meal times and enter into a wide range of discussion.
“That is not happening now…we are in an era of fast foods and takeaways. The day of the Sunday roast, where parents and children gathered and discussed everyday events and family affairs, is a remnant of yesteryear.
“When children are at home, they are either locked in their own bedrooms playing Playstations and on the internet. And if not doing those things, are thrown in front of the television set”.
Parents, he continued, had a big responsibility, but were either too preoccupied with themselves or out socialising to bother even talking to their offspring.
“Nobody seems to talk to anybody any more. Neighbours don’t know their neighbours. Those with problems shy away from engaging in meaningful conversation with others, either because they feel they will be ignored or be told to sort themselves out.
“Yes, we are living in the technological age… our lives are centred around TV screens and computer monitors, but surely, we should find time to communicate with real people. Let’s bring dialogue back into our lives and listen to those faced with everyday problems.
“I know a lot of teenagers who feel they have been abandoned by family and extended family. Then there are those in the 20-30 age group who have lost their jobs, are likely to have financial problems and see no future. They view suicide as a way out. In fact, the age profile no longer comes into play.
“The figures released by Childline last week back up my claims…they had over 60,000 callers last year”.
Senior citizens, continued Fr Young, were also affected by what is happening to Irish society and were not immune to suicidal thoughts.
“Statistics show that 60,70 and 80 year-old are also taking their own lives, for a variety of different reasons, but mainly because of loneliness and finding it difficult to survive on whatever little money they have. That suicide would hit such age groups would have been unthinkable in the past”.
