Suicide Rates in the UK – The Troubling Statistics

It would be nice on World Suicide Prevention Day to have something positive to say. To report a decline in statistics and say that things are getting better. I’m deeply upset that this isn’t the case. The fact is that suicide rates in the UK have risen to their highest since 2002. Men continue to account for the majority of this number, however, among children and young adults it is mostly female.

Suicide Rates Statistics

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of suicides increased by 11.8% between 2017 and 2018. The middle-aged suffer the highest rates. One notable change is that there has been an increase in people from as young as 10 years old. In the younger age range (10 – 24), deaths are at an almost-two decade high. In the UK; Scotland has the highest suicide rate, followed by Wales and then England. Northern Ireland rates haven’t been released yet. In England, London and the South East have the lowest figures whereas the North East, the highest. For Scotland, most deaths are the unemployed and manual labour workers.

This is all very heartbreaking to read; since 2013 there has been a decline in suicide rates. These figures are a clear reversal of that.

Suicide Causes

The reasons that people end their lives are incredibly complicated and attributed to a number of factors. The finality means that we can only piece the puzzle together after, often with missing context. As mental health awareness increases in the public eye, we’re stating to talk more and see much more. Still, there is a long way to go. Interestingly, the gender gap is still very firmly in play (two-thirds being men) but this is a curiosity considering that women have a higher rate of diagnosed depression.

I suspect that with male suicide rates communication is a significant factor. I’ve talked a little recently about toxic masculinity, societally men are expected to present and behave in a certain way. To repress their feelings and stay strong. Of course, when things get serious in life this can lead to a sense of immense failure and nowhere to turn to.

Prevention

If you’re feeling like you can’t go on, reach out.

As the friend or family member of someone struggling, it is really important to show compassion and support. To guide towards proper care without adding additional pressure onto someone who is already suffering. Some great advice can be found here.

The Busy Papa

Also known as Aaron, The Busy Papa focuses on lifestyle, parenting and personal wellbeing content. He has two decades experience in creative writing (including several published poems) and strongly dislikes (though tolerates) tomatoes.