Scots have highest suicide rate in UK as toll hits 2 a day

More women taking own lives, say figures

THE suicide epidemic gripping Scotland was highlighted yesterday by figures showing an average of 15 people kill themselves every week.

The shocking rise in the number of self-inflicted deaths last year made it the worst affected part of the UK.

The rate rose from 12.5 per 100,000 deaths in 2017 to 16.1 per 100,000 last year, with a total of 784 affected.

While most suicides were carried out by men, the number of women dying soared, from 6.3 deaths per 100,000 in 2017 to 8.2 a year later.

Mental health charities described the statistics as ‘deeply concerning’.

The Scottish Government, which set a target of reducing the suicide rate by 20 per cent by 2022, faces growing calls to intervene.

Mairi Gordon, policy and communications officer for Samaritans Scotland, said: ‘It is deeply concerning to see that the number of people dying by suicide increased in 2018. It represents a devastating loss for far too many families and communities.’

She said too many young people were struggling, and suicide prevention must be made a health priority.

She added: ‘We need to work together to address the wide range of factors that can lead people to a point of crisis and distress – from job insecurity, money worries and poor housing to feelings of loneliness and isolation.’

According to figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 6,507 suicides registered in the UK last year – 686 more than the previous year. Three-quarters were among men.

Scotland had the highest suicide rate, followed by Wales with 12.8 per 100,000 and England the lowest at 10.3.

Nick Stripe, head of health analysis and life events for ONS, said: ‘We saw a significant increase in the rate of deaths registered as suicide last year, which has changed a trend of continuous decline since 2013.’

He said females under 25 had reached the highest rate on record, with 3.3 deaths per 100,000 in the UK.

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘People must have access to consistent, reliable support as soon as they need it. Vulnerable people have been completely and utterly let down by this government with the most horrendous consequences.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We firmly believe that no suicide is inevitable. Through our commitment to deliver mental health counsellors in schools, we are working to strengthen child and adolescent mental health, as we know that prevention and early intervention make a big difference in reducing the risk of developing mental health problems.

‘Our suicide prevention plan, supported by an additional £3million investment, has been designed to further improve suicide prevention and continue the long-term downward trend in the overall suicide rate.’

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local branch. See www.samaritans.org.

‘Completely and utterly let down’