An Irish GP has developed a theory to help identify the early signs of suicide.
The Suicide Cocoon says people can show signs of distress or withdrawal but may appear calm and happy once they make a decision to take their own lives.
Dr. Harry Barry unveiled the concept at Console’s World Suicide Prevention Day conference in Dublin.
Concern has also been raised there about future funding for mental health services.
This is the first time such a concept has been developed to help identify people who may be in danger of taking their own lives.
The Cocoon describes the stage after someone has decided to commit suicide.
Whilst they may have been anxious and withdrawn before they reached their decision once they enter the Cocoon, they appear calm and their mood improves.
Dr. Barry says they may even start giving away objects that are special to them or make a special effort to visit friends and family.
He says Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can be used to identify those at risk before they enter the Cocoon.
But there is no government-led funding in this regard and anyone who needs the therapy has to be referred to a specialist by their GP.
Much concern has been raised at the Console World Suicide Prevention Day conference on future funding for mental health services.
With the government u-turn on cuts to personal assistant hours for people with disabilities it is understood cutbacks will be made to mental health services and primary care instead.
Dr. Barry spoke expalianed the concept to Lunchtime here on Newstalk.
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