In 2005, there were 213 reported suicides in Northern Ireland. "Suicide prevention is now a priority and is included in the Department's Public Service Agreement, in the Government's 'Priorities & Budget 2006-2008'" (p. 8). The Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan strives to decrease the suicide rate by raising awareness of mental health issues, developing an effective treatment system, improving support for bereaved families, and restrict access to means of carrying out suicide ("Suicide Prevention Strategy," 2006).

To read about the analysis of suicide and self-harm in Northern Ireland, click here http://www.mindingyourhead.com/uploads/phnisuicidepreventionstrategy_action_plan-3.pdf

Reference
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (2006). The Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan. Belfast.

Labels: Northern Ireland

Similar to other European countries, psychology was originally a philosophical discipline in Northern Ireland. The first professional psychology course in Northern Ireland was created in 1947 and thus psychology came later to Northern Ireland than to other countries. The education seems very comparable to that of the United States as many psychologists were trained in North America and Britain. However, students have the option between a 2-year master's degree and a 3-year training experience which will earn them a Diploma in Clinical Psychology.

Private practice is rare in Northern Ireland as most psychologists tend to work in general or psychiatric hospitals as well as community centers. Today, there are approximately 270 psychologists working in Northern Ireland.

Sexton, V. S. & Hogan, J. D. (1992). International psychology: View from around the world. USA: University of Nebraska Press.

Labels: Northern Ireland