Small decrease in suicide rates highlighted by prevention group
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This week's release of data from National Records of Scotland for 2020 shows a very small year on year decrease in deaths by probable suicide.
The statistics show that there were 805 probable suicides registered in 2020, a decrease of three per cent on 2019 – which was up six per cent on 2018. This is, however, higher than the previous five-year average (739). Suicides decreased between 2011 and 2014, but have generally risen again since then.
Men accounted for 71 per cent of probable suicides in 2020 (575), a three per cent drop (which reflects a small increase in female suicide to 230). Male suicide has reduced slightly in every age group apart from 35-44 years, which breaks a four-year trend of increases.
Female suicide has increased in many age groups, and is the highest annual total since 2011. Suicide in women aged 15-24 has reduced from last year, when it was the highest since records began.
Worryingly, 20 per cent of all deaths by probable suicide involved people under the age of 30.
Probable suicide deaths were consistently above average between June and September of 2020. National Records of Scotland reports 28 per cent more suicides than usual for those four months. Suicides in April and October were both lower than average.
The suicide rate in the period 2016-2020 was three and a half times higher in Scotland’s most deprived areas compared to the least deprived areas. While suicide rates are strongly related to deprivation level, this difference or inequality has decreased between 2006-10 and 2016-20.
The National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG), set up in late 2018, is an independent group formed to advise on and support delivery of the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan. The group includes those with lived, academic and professional experience.
NSPLG chair, Rose Fitzpatrick CBE, QPM comments: “Today we’re thinking of every family who lost someone to suicide during 2020. Every one of these 805 deaths represent a tragedy.
“Whilst there has been a small decrease in deaths by probable suicide in 2020, which of course we welcome, we will never forget that every life matters. Suicide is preventable, and so the release of this data is a reminder that our work must continue to focus on giving everyone a role to play in saving lives."
She added that a pilot project to support families bereaved by suicide has started in Highland NHS board regions.
Learn more about Scotland’s suicide prevention public awareness campaign, United to Prevent Suicide, at unitedtopreventsuicide.org.uk.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting your GP, NHS24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.
