THE NUMBER OF people who took their own lives hit the highest level since 2001 in 2011.

Figures compiled from coroners’ reports by the Central Statistics Office show that 83% of those suicides were by men.

In total. 458 men and 96 women died by suicide in 2011. Strikingly, the highest number of suicides came from men aged 45-64.

For women, ages 25-44 saw the highest proportion.

The report shows that men are five times more likely to die by suicide.

It adds that Ireland’s rate of suicide is around the European average, while Greece and Cyprus having the lowest rates.

Lithuania, Hungary and Latvia have the highest reported rates.

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554 people died by suicide in 2011

Read: Experts disappointed at ‘sensationalised’ coverage of Charleville murder-suicide

Read: Mixed reaction to new abortion guidelines for health professionals

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.