Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate in the UK, and high rates of self-harm.
Our researchers have demonstrated the associations with exposure to troubles related trauma, the profiles and characteristics of the deceased, and the impact on families.
The Ulster University student well-being study has enabled the examination of the biological, and particularly the epigenetic factors associated with self-harm in students, and the risk factors associated with childhood adversities.
We are working with policy makers and health care providers who look after individuals in crisis, to implement initiatives to understand the unique factors affecting suicides here and ultimately aim to reduce our suicide rates through evidence based interventions.
We are also working with crisis lines and charities to understand caller behaviour patterns and examine the external factors that impact on suicidal behaviour.
We wish to inform the evidence base for suicide prevention in Northern Ireland by examining the factors associated with suicidal behaviour and the ways in which interventions can create change.