Suicide rate shows a 'worrying trend' in England and Wales

Official figures have shown that the suicide rate for men in England and Wales throughout 2019 was the highest it has been since the year 2000.

Data recorded from the Office for National Statistics, which was released towards the end of August, found that there were a total of 5,691 suicides registered with a rate of, there or thereabouts, 11 deaths per a 100,000 population.

According to the data, men accounted for roughly 75% of suicide deaths recorded in 2019, with 4,303 being male and 1,388 being female.

In men, the suicide rate of 16.9 deaths per 100,000 is the highest it has been recorded since 2000. Further to this, in women, the rate recorded is the highest since the year 2004 at 5.3 deaths per 100,000.

Samaritans have pointed to "worrying trends" after noting that men aged 45-49 remain at the highest risk of suicide, an increase in suicide rates among people aged 25-44, and an increase in rates of suicide among young people, especially in women who are under the age of 25.

With lockdown once again looming, we are now more than ever in a fight against suicide. The pandemic has affected everyone in a number of ways and undoubtedly it will continue to do so. 

Director of Talk Clothing, Will Birley, said: 

"We have to understand and realise the severity of the problem at hand. Suicide rates are increasing and with a backlog of inquests, the actual numbers will surely rise in the near future.

"Only through coming together will we ever be in a position to fight back against suicide. Talk Clothing want to start the process - we want people to realise the benefit of opening up.

"We can fight back against suicide, and that all starts from looking out from one another. Something which we hope we can help people understand the importance of."

Our partners at CALM are a leading movement against suicide. They offer a helpline at 0800 58 58 58 or a web chat service at https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/.

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