Scots suicide rates are on the increase

Yesterday marked World Suicide Prevention Day and the most recent figures for Scotland make for grim reading.

The number of deaths here from suicide is on the rise.

Figures published for 2018 show an increase from 680 the previous year to 784, that’s up around 15 per cent.

Details published by the Office for National Statistics reveal the suicide rate in this country is 16.1 deaths per 100,000, much higher than in England and Wales.

In fact the rate is almost 60 per cent higher than in England.

In Scotland, suicides among those aged under 25 increased by half during 2018, but the highest rates of any age groups are found in middle-aged men and women.

But the statistics don’t paint the whole picture. For every person who completes suicide there are another 25 who attempt suicide, and countless others who think about it seriously.

It’s estimated that on average more than 100 people are affected by each suicide.

Behind every suicide there’s a story of heartache and intense grief left behind for wives, husbands, partners, parents, children and friends.

World Suicide Prevention Day aims to encourage people to do what they can to make a difference.

As an individual or an organisation you can help by educating yourself and others about the causes and look out for warning signs, and raise awareness about the issue.

You can also question the stigma attached to suicide.

Mairi Gordon, from Samaritans Scotland, said: “It is deeply concerning to see that number of people dying by suicide increased in 2018.

“In Scotland last year, 15 people died by suicide every single week. That figure represents a devastating loss for far too many families and communities.

“These latest figures make clear that here in Scotland and across much of the UK, far too many young people are struggling to cope.

“After years of steady progress these figures should serve as a stark reminder of why we must make suicide prevention a public health priority.

“Reducing deaths by suicide cannot be achieved by any one service or organisation acting alone. To save lives 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.”

Almost a third of people who contact Samaritans express suicidal thoughts.

Samaritans provides free anonymous and confidential emotional support for people experiencing crisis and distress on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org/branches

On average, more than 100 people are affected by each suicide