A new study looking at public attitudes to suicide in Ireland has found that almost three quarters of the population know someone who has taken their own life.
The 32-county survey, which was launched in Dublin this morning, was conducted for the Irish Association of Suicidology.
The organisation says it is the first time that our attitudes to suicide have been so comprehensively gathered and that the report gives a good insight into how we can tackle the issue, which results in over 400 deaths here each year.
74% of people in the Republic and over 50% of the population in Northern Ireland know someone who has died through suicide.
The report finds that young men - who are the age group most at risk of suicide - are also least of aware of how to seek help when they have mental health problems.
The IAS says there needs to be a radical rethink in the way positive mental health campaigns are targeted at this age bracket.
Dr John Connolly of the IAS says that myths about suicide still exist.
He says many people believe that if someone talks about taking their life, they will not actually do it but there is no evidence to support this view.
On the 'Right To Die' issue, the study says there is a lot of understanding for people who may wish to end their lives as a result of serious illness but there is not widespread support for euthanasia.
