Data from National Records of Scotland (NRS) released yesterday shows that there were 833 probable suicides registered in Scotland in 2019, an increase from 784 in 2018.
Six hundred and twenty men and 213 women took their own lives in 2019, with people aged 45-54 most at risk. People in our poorest areas were also more likely to take their own lives.
This link between deprivation and suicide is well known. Between 2015 and 2019, people living in the most deprived areas were three times more likely to die by suicide compared to those living in the least deprived areas.
Claire Sweeney, Director of Place and Wellbeing at Public Health Scotland said: “Each of these deaths are a tragedy arising from profound distress, and are all preventable. They will have left immeasurable grief across families and communities.
“The unprecedented challenges we have all faced in 2020 perhaps make it easier to understand that anyone can experience mental illness. That’s one of the reasons why Public Health Scotland is prioritising improving mental wellbeing as part of our strategic plan (A Scotland where everybody thrives).
“We will work with our partners to help grow the understanding of levels of suicide in the communities they work with, and more broadly to support better mental wellbeing across Scotland.”
Following the release of these figures the Scottish Public Health Observatory has published supporting information available.
View the report on the ScotPHO website
If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide please call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 116123.
Responding to Public Health Scotland figures revealing that 833 people died by probable suicide in 2019, a spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “The statistics highlighting that there were 833 probable suicides registered in Scotland in 2019 is devastating for so many families and only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to highlighting the mental health crisis we are currently in.
“We have for some time called for radical transformation in our mental health services and expressed our concerns over the lack of investment in these for our children and young people. Currently around 50p in every £100 of NHS spending goes to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), and yet we know that one in ten children has a diagnosable mental health problem and that figure is increasing. These problems of course if not addressed carry on into adult life.
“With increased numbers of those experiencing mental health problems, as well as those whose existent conditions are being worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with further cuts in services, this points to a mental health crisis ‘perfect storm’.
“While referrals have dropped during lockdown and children are not accessing support, we are storing up immense problems for the future as mental health services face being overwhelmed due to greatly increased demand.
“In addition to the NHS, local authorities, the third sector and other independent organisations play a key role in providing mental health support. Yet these services have seen their resources cut over the years, putting an even greater burden on specialist and costly mental health services. It is vital that they receive increased funding or we face witnessing a ‘lost generation’ of vulnerable children and young people
“Mental health services must be given funding and resources equal to that of physical health provision and this pandemic has ushered in an urgency to deliver on this which cannot be ignored.”
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