Socioeconomic disadvantage and suicidal behaviour during times of economic recession and recovery

The UK and Ireland have emerged from the global economic downturn, currently enjoying periods of steady (or, in the case of Ireland, rapid) economic recovery. However, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has cast considerable uncertainty on the future economic prosperity of both countries. Improving our understanding of the association between rapid economic change, including recessions, economic recoveries and economic uncertainty, and suicidal behaviour may help policy makers develop better strategies for suicide prevention in this uncertain climate. This chapter reviews recent literature, considers how economic theories have sought to explain suicidal behaviour, and reflects on what potential actions might be taken to tackle suicide during times of economic change. The review finds that, according to the majority of studies, unemployment is a key risk factor for suicidal behaviour in men; and this higher risk is exacerbated during a downturn or period of economic growth. This association between suicidal behaviour and unemployment is much weaker for women, although the risk may become more pronounced as more women occupy high positions in the workforce. Economic uncertainty, the magnitude of decline in income relative to local wages, female participation in the workforce, unmanageable debt, including the threat or fear or home repossessions, job insecurity and business downsizing may also increase risk. This implies a need for carefully developed, multi-faceted suicide prevention strategies that focus on the alleviation of risk factors, for instance through adequate social welfare payments, psychological support for