Suicide in Scotland: Minister responds to ‘distressing’ report

Mental Wellbeing Minster Maree Todd has described a rise in the number of probable suicides last year as “distressing”, saying the increase is driving a determination to deliver change.

National Records of Scotland figures show there were 792 probable suicides in 2023 – an increase of 30 on the previous year.

The Scottish Government is taking action jointly with COSLA to reduce the number of deaths by suicide. This ensures government and local services work together to support anyone at risk of suicide or affected by it, while tackling underlying factors that can lead to suicide, such as inequalities, stigma and discrimination, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Self-harm is also a risk factor for suicide and last year saw the launch of the world’s first action plan focussed solely on tackling the issue. This includes funding for a new service where anyone affected by self-harm can get compassionate support, without fear of stigma or discrimination. 

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This report makes for distressing reading and my sincere condolences go out to all those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one by suicide.

“I am determined that together with COSLA and other partners we reduce the number of deaths by suicide and improve the nation’s mental health as a whole.

“The ambition and innovation in Scotland’s suicide prevention approach is widely recognised. However, we know there is always more to do.

“We are working hard with communities and services to help people talk more openly about suicide and offer compassionate support. We are prioritising reaching more people at higher risk of suicide, including those living in poverty, middle aged men, and LGBT communities. 

“We are launching an online portal to ensure people feeling suicidal know where to go for help. The introduction of suicide reviews this year will also help us spot missed opportunities to support people and importantly use that learning to redesign services.

“Our wider actions around Mental Health are also helping to prevent suicide. They include funding more than 800 additional mental health workers in A&E departments, GP practices, police custody suites and prisons, and investing in our Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund which prioritises suicide prevention and social isolation projects.”

Chair of the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Academic Advisory Group Professor Rory O’Connor said: “Similar to other countries, sadly an increase is not unexpected given the challenges of recent years, including the cost of living crisis and the economic downturn which have led to financial and social hardship for so many.

“Every single death is heartbreaking, leaving behind devastated families, friends and communities.  We need to continue to do everything we can to ensure that those at risk of suicide receive the care and support that they need when they need it.” 

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison said: “As the voice of Local Government in Scotland, COSLA has taken a strong position on the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of our communities and the need to tackle inequalities that contribute to suicide risk.

“There is a considerable amount of work taking place across local areas in Scotland which supports delivery of the Suicide Prevention Strategy.

“We firmly believe that no death by suicide is acceptable, and we remain committed to working in partnership with Scottish Government to realise the ambitions of our joint strategy ‘Creating Hope Together’ to reduce deaths by suicide, whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to suicide.”

Anyone affected by these issues can access support from the following services:

Suicide Prevention Scotland responds to 2023 death by suicide data

Suicide Prevention Scotland has responded to today’s release of data from National Records of Scotland (NRS) for 2022  which shows a small year on year increase in deaths by probable suicide.

Statistics released by NRS show that there were 792 suicides registered in 2023, a 3.9% increase on 2022 (which was up 1.2% on 2021’s data). 

It’s the highest number of deaths by suicide since 2020 (805).

To understand how this increase fits into the broader trend, it is essential to consider not just year-to-year changes but also the five-year average, which provides a more stable and reliable measure of trends over time. 

The number of deaths by suicide in 2023 at 792 is very slightly above the previous five-year average (787 for 2018-2022).

Compared to the previous female five-year average (208 for 2018-2022), 2023 shows a decrease of six deaths. Compared to the previous male five-year average (579 for 2018-2022), 2023 shows an increase of 11 probable suicides.

The average age of death by suicide has fallen from the previous year. In 2022 this was 48.2 years; in 2023 it was 46.6 years.

The overall increase in the past year can be attributed to an increase in male suicides by 34 (590). There was a reduction in female suicides by four (202). The rate for men remains three times that of women. 

Looking back over the previous few years, there was a long downward trend in suicide rates from 2011-2017. 

This was followed by an increase in 2018 and 2019, then by a decrease in 2020 and 2021, with the lowest numbers seen since 2017 (680) in 2021 (753). 

The numbers released for 2022 increased very slightly (762). 

The further increase in numbers for 2023 suggest that the downward trend may have stalled, however it is too early to say as several years’ data are needed to confirm an overall trend.

Over the last five years, Scotland’s suicide rates have shown fluctuations, with some years experiencing notable increases. 

For example, in 2018, there were 784 deaths by suicide, a sharp rise from previous years, particularly among young people aged 15-24. The numbers slightly decreased in 2021 to 753 but rose again to 762 in 2022.

Probable suicides in the 15–24-year-old group have increased by ten to 79 in 2023, from 69 in 2022. 

However, the category with the highest increase was the 35-44-year-olds (up 22 to 175), repeating a pattern seen for the previous year’s data, where this age-group also had one of the highest increases in suicide numbers for 2022 (up 22).

In contrast, the biggest reduction seen is in the 65-74-year-old group, which has fallen by 28 to 63 in 2023 from 91 in 2022. 

There has also been a slight decrease over the last year in the 75-84-year-old group, with numbers staying the same in the 55-64-year-old age group.

The decrease in these older age groups was driven mostly by male suicides, which decreased by 22 to 99 in the 55-64-year-olds, and by 12 in the 65-74-year-olds. 

In contrast, the increase seen for 2023 was driven mostly by male suicides in the 35-44-year-old group, which were up 23 to 144, and the highest number in this age category since 2011.

Although 792 people died by suicide in 2023, this number does not consider changes in the population size or how the number of people in different age groups change as time goes by. 

Therefore, suicide rates corrected for these changes give more meaningful comparisons. 

When we use these corrected suicide rates, the highest rates seen in 2023 was among 35-39-year-old males (44.3 per 100,000), an increase of 9.8 from 34.5 in 2022. 

The next highest rate was for 40-44-year-old males (42.1 per 100,000), an increase of 5.4 from 36.7 in 2022. 

In comparison, the highest rate for female suicide rate increased by 7.0 to 14.9 in the 50-54-year-old group.

In 2023, the suicide rate in the most deprived areas was 20.9 per 100,000, compared with least deprived areas of 8.6 per 100,000. 

This means that deaths by suicides in 2023 occurred 2.4 times more in our most deprived communities, an improvement on inequality seen in previous years e.g., 2022 which was 2.6 times more and the previous five-year average 2018-2022, which was 3.1 times more.

In September 2022, the Scottish Government and COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) launched the country’s new long-term suicide prevention strategy and action plan, Creating Hope Together

To deliver the new strategy, a new community of organisations and people, Suicide Prevention Scotland, has been established.

Last week it reported on progress made during its first full year in operation

Creating Hope Together sets out four key outcomes. Partnership is at the heart of the approach, with a range of strategic partner(s) appointed to drive delivery. They are:

  • Creating a safer environment that protects against suicide across the whole of Government and society – Samaritans
  • Improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma – SAMH
  • Providing compassionate support for anyone affected by suicide – Penumbra & Change Mental Health
  • Working in a connected way, that always draws on evidence and lived experience – Public Health Scotland 

A new National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group (NSPAG) has also been established. 

Led by Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, its members represent many of the sectors leading work on the social determinants of suicide. This includes poverty, as well as partners who are working in key sectors affected by suicide — such as the criminal justice sector.

Their role is to provide advice to Suicide Prevention Scotland, Scottish Government and COSLA which helps us focus on the complexity, intersectionality and inequality of suicide. 

NSPAG recently published its first year report and recommendations.

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith comments: “The fact that 792 people died by suicide is a stark reminder we still have so much more to do – and we are determined to keep working together do it. 

“We don’t just think about the number of people who die by suicide on this day in August, they are in our thoughts every day – they help drive us to do this work – to try to help prevent future deaths.

“Every death by suicide is one too many and we need to continue to build our understanding of what we need to do and how we need to do it by listening to the experts, those who study and research suicide and people who have lived and living experience. 

“We’ll use that understanding to help us develop and deliver more action that will save lives.

Ross Cunningham is part of Suicide Prevention Scotland’s Lived Experience Panel. Ross, who lives in Orkney, has suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts and is an advocate for social prescribing. He said:

“The grief experienced by so many people across Scotland who have had to bear the death of a loved one to suicide in 2023, or any year, is a heartbreak beyond words. The loss is something family and friends will tragically have to live with for the rest of their lives.

“Those we have lost aren’t just a statistic, they were people living in Scotland who had a name, had parents, had friends and family who loved them very much, had hobbies, had dreams and ambitions, and had a life of their own – one which cruelly came to an end when they believed that suicide was their only option.

“We must not let the immense loss of life to suicide that these figures represent, and those before it, be in vain. This should be a wake up call to governments, policy makers, employers and wider society that more must be done in all parts of Scotland – in every village, town, city and island community – to take preventative actions and to further support those suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts.

“Everyone can take little steps each day, recognising that you may need to talk to someone or seek support about your own mental health, or even if it’s just checking in with a friend on WhatsApp or phoning a loved one you know who might be going through a difficult time.

“Please don’t suffer in silence, don’t bottle things up. If you are going through something, know that support is out there – and the first step to getting that support is speaking to someone about how you’re feeling.”

Nadine Dougall, Professor of Mental Health & Data Science at Edinburgh Napier University and a member of the Suicide Prevention Scotland Academic Advisory Group comments: “Each death by suicide is an enormous tragedy, leaving devastating and lasting impacts on families, friends, and communities. 

“Suicide is complex and rarely caused by a single factor, needing a whole-population approach to prevention.

“While reducing deaths by suicide is essential, it is also crucial to understand long-term trends and the influence of various factors to guide effective suicide prevention efforts. 

“Notably, deaths by suicide among men aged 35-44 have increased, with the suicide rate reaching 44.3 per 100,000 people – the highest since 2011. This calls for further investigation to focus suicide prevention activities. Although there have been some gains in reducing inequality in suicide rates, much more needs to be done to sustain and improve these efforts.”

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 58 87.

NHS24: Breathing Space in Dunbar

Friday was a good day for our Breathing Space service – the sun was shining and we unveiled a new Breathing Space bench in Dunbar! ☀️

The ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench initiative is designed to be physical reminders for people to pause, reflect, and find comfort. Breathing Space benches are dotted all over Scotland, with the latest being unveiled in Dunbar train station in East Lothian.

Our Breathing Space team work in partnership with organisations, charities, and local groups to secure sites for new benches. The Dunbar bench was installed with support from Samaritans, Scotland’s Railway, and Dunbar Rotary.

Managed by NHS 24, Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.

Breathing Space National Coordinator, Tony McLaren, explains why the benches are important symbols to prioritise mental health: “We’re proud to work alongside other mental health champions such as Samaritans and Scotland’s Railway to promote mental well-being within communities throughout Scotland.

“The installation of our newest Breathing Space Bench at Dunbar Train Station will serve as a powerful reminder to everyone that taking time to think, reflect, and chat about mental health is essential, especially during life’s busy moments.”

Breathing Space benches at Cammo Meadows development

Leading homebuilders have unveiled two new Breathing Space benches at a development in Edinburgh

Cala Homes (East) has installed a bench at the Cammo Meadows development to help boost mental health awareness, providing a space for locals and residents to take some time out of their day for a quiet moment of reflection.

A second bench has been installed by David Wilson Homes East Scotland who, alongside Cala Homes (East), have jointly funded the benches.

Cala Homes (East) has placed its bench in a quiet corner, at the western edge of the development, beside a local woodland walk and cycle path to provide picturesque views of the historic Cammo Estate.

An inscribed plaque will clearly display contact information for Breathing Space, a free telephone service which aims to help those in Scotland who are experiencing anxiety, stress or feeling low.

Peter McNamara Site Manager at Cala Homes’ (East) Cammo Meadows development, said: “We are delighted to unveil this Breathing Space bench at Cammo Meadows. The bench will act as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we hope that residents use it for moments of peaceful reflection.

“Its position beside the Cammo Estate is also something we took into consideration, as it means it’s not just those who live at Cammo Meadows, but also the wider community are able to use the bench, not just those that live within the development. This gives everyone a chance to benefit from this peaceful setting and take some time out.”

Tony McLaren, National Co-ordinator for Breathing Space, said: “The benches we have installed help the spread of positivity, as well as encouraging people to reach out to those who need it most. By adding the plaque with our phone number, we hope to make more people aware of the helpline which is available on weekday evenings and 24 hours at weekends. Those looking to speak to a Breathing Space advisor can call 0800 83 85 87.

“We hope the residents and the whole community at Cammo Meadows and surrounding area are able to enjoy the bench, in this serene and calm setting, and that it has a positive impact on the local community.”

Anne Ross, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “The new Breathing Space bench at our Cammo Meadows development is a welcome addition to the site, providing a space for the local community to relax and find a moment of calm amidst busy schedules.

“Residents and locals experiencing anxiety, stress or who are feeling low can also find contact details for a free telephone service on each bench’s plaque. It might not seem much, but these two small corners of calm are a positive step in supporting and shifting the stigma surrounding mental health.”

To learn more about Cammo Meadows, or to request a viewing, call 0131 5156 4399 or visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/cammo-meadows

To learn more about the portfolio of properties developed by Cala Homes (East), visit www.cala.co.uk/east-of-scotland/  

Don’t hide behind ‘fine’ – seek out your breathing space

As Breathing Space Day approaches on 1st February 2023 the message for people across Scotland who might be feeling down is one of hope and support.

Scotland’s mental health service, Breathing Space,  is encouraging people to open up when they are feeling down, instead of hiding behind the phrase we all use, ‘I’m fine’.

Opening up to friends, colleagues, or family is a good place to start but the service’s trained advisers know it’s not for everyone. It recommends finding ways to support one’s own breathing space in ways to suit them which might include a brisk walk, a favourite TV show or podcast, a good book, a feel-good play list or simply some time to sit quietly with their thoughts and feelings.

Breathing Space benches across the country provide spaces for a quiet moment or a quick chat. Breathing Space unveiled its 50th bench recently in Golspie, Highland, in partnership with Change Mental Health as they marked50 years of supporting people.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is as important as looking after our physical health. That message is especially relevant now, given the continuing challenges which we all face in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.

“Breathing Space is a free service providing vital out-of-hours support to people across Scotland who are feeling low, stressed, or anxious. I am pleased to highlight the help available and to support Breathing Space Day.

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or distress in their lives to get in touch with Breathing Space or to look at the range of helpful advice on the website.”

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of Breathing Space, said: “We are all finding our way in uncertain times right now. If you are struggling to find your own breathing space, please don’t hide behind ‘fine’. Our team are here for you and you can lift the phone or contact us on webchat to open up. 

“Our advisors at Breathing Space are available in the evenings and at the weekends on 0800 83 85 87 or through web chat, to listen and offer information and advice.”

Taking time out for National Breathing Space Day

National Breathing Space Day (1st February) takes place annually to raise awareness of the confidential support the mental health phone service provides for anyone feeling low or stressed.

The theme for the day is ‘You Matter, We Care’ and Breathing Space is delighted that an increasing number of organisations are actively promoting that message through the Breathing Space Bench Project

Over the last year, a range of organisations have teamed up with Breathing Space to encourage Scots to take some time out for their mental health with a moment to sit and reflect or share their feelings, by installing the special benches.

Breathing Space Benches are now sited in locations as varied as Inchinnan Church, Musselburgh Golf Club, Lanarkshire parks, colleges across Borders, Fife, Dundee and Angus and at Strathclyde University.

The Breathing Space Bench Project is aimed at creating welcoming spaces – encouraging people to sit and take some breathing space, to share a bit of time for listening and talking, or by reaching out and showing kindness and compassion.

This has been especially important at a time when the usual ways of meeting up for a chat have been limited.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, said: “It’s certainly been a challenging for year everyone, including our own staff who have continued to offer a compassionate listening service while working in new ways and in new office environments to safeguard against the pandemic.

It’s inspiring to see how many organisations are committed to supporting people to stay mentally healthy through taking time to listen and share. They are doing a doing a tremendous job in taking forward this mental wellbeing agenda, offering a place to connect and reflect, and showing that we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about how we are feeling.

 “If anyone who is struggling and needs a listening ear, and wants to take a chat beyond the bench, our advisors at Breathing Space are available in the evenings and at the weekends on 0800 83 85 87 or through web chat, to listen and offer information and advice. If you’re worried or feeling down, please get in touch for some ‘breathing space’”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, Kevin Stewart MSP said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health.

“That message is especially relevant at the moment, given the continuing challenges which we all face in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Breathing Space is a free service providing vital out-of-hours support to people across Scotland who are feeling low, stressed or anxious. I’m delighted to highlight the help available and to support Breathing Space Day.

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or distress in their lives to get in touch with the service through the helpline; through NHS24 on 111; or by looking at the range of helpful advice on the Breathing Space website.”

Mental health support over the festive season

Mental wellbeing support is available over the festive period for anyone who may be struggling during this time.

Those experiencing low mood, stress, anxiety or depression are being urged to seek help and not wait until after the festive season is past.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “It is vital we all look after ourselves, and each other, at this time of year. Not everybody finds the festive season full of fun. And not everyone has a family around them, and can find themselves on their own at Christmas and New Year.

“There can be many triggers including existing family tensions, anniversaries of a life-changing event around this time and even the pressure of Christmas for some can be too much.

“All that on top of what we have all been through with the challenging times of the pandemic and the shorter, darker winter days, it can seem really bleak for some.

“But there is help and support available and I want people to know they are not alone. Often the hardest step is making that first call.

“I urge anyone who is feeling low or anxious to reach out to Breathing Space, the Samaritans or NHS 24 Mental Health Hub.

“I am also asking if you know of somebody who will be on their own over the festive period to check in on them. Often that one act can make a huge difference to a person’s mental wellbeing.”

Clear Your Head has more information to help you cope, and advice on how you can support other people who you think might be struggling – visit: www.clearyourhead.scot

If you need to talk to someone, you can call these free services:

  • NHS 24 on 111 if you need urgent support for your mental or emotional health.
  • Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 -if you’re experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety
  • Samaritans on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org, for confidential emotional support if you’re in distress or despair. Open 24 hours a day.

Festive mental health with NHS 24

As we look ahead to another festive season impacted by the COVID19 pandemic, NHS 24 are encouraging people to put mental health first.

Lots of people are feeling anxious and unsure of where to turn for a bit of support so here is advice from the team behind NHS inform and the 111 service:

Clear Your Head web site

It’s natural to not feel yourself at times, and for anyone feeling that way, the Clear Your Head web site has simple tips for anyone feeling down, as well as guides on what to do to support others. clearyourhead.scot

NHSinform.scot

Anyone in Scotland with a digital device and having problems with anger or stress, having trouble sleeping, or struggling to cope with challenging situations, can find support by answering a few simple questions through this guide, nhsinform.scot/get-help-with-your-mental-wellbeing

During the summer of 2021 hundreds of visitors to NHSinform were directed to seek immediate telephone help while thousands more went on to self-directed care online using SilverCloud, a website with courses to improve mental wellbeing based on cognitive behavioural therapy.

An extensive range of mental wellbeing resources is available at

www.nhsinform.scot/mental-wellbeing

NHSinform also has a number of resources for users of British Sign Language that cover mental health issues at www.nhsinform.scot/BSL

editorial@ardrossanherald.co.uk

Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87

Answering almost 9,000 calls a month, the Breathing Space service continues to grow and evolve with the web chat service now offering online support.

Callers contact Breathing Space for a wide range of reasons, including relationship issues, stress, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. However, over the last year the service has seen an increase in issues such as bereavement, work and money worries, and loneliness.

Breathing Space’s trained advisors ensure that each call is treated with patience and respect, knowing that it can often be the first time that a caller has contacted the service or talked about a problem.

111

For those experiencing mental distress the 111 Mental Health Hub is available 24 hours a day, 7 days of the week by calling 111 and following the telephone prompts. Anyone may call. There is no upper or lower age limit.

The most common reasons for calling include thinking about suicide, anxieties, low mood, psychosis, and self-harm. Where necessary, clinical support is offered and callers may be referred to local support services, community mental health teams, or exceptionally, emergency services. This team can also help with medication issues.

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day

On World Suicide Prevention Day COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson @cllrStu is urging people to join the United to Prevent Suicide campaign – https://unitedtopreventsuicide.org.uk

Anyone struggling can find support from: Samaritans – 116 123

Breathing Space – 0800 838587

#WSPD2021

This week Edinburgh Police have been holding partnership outreach information events in an attempt to provide information on the support that is available to people affected by suicide and to highlight the importance of talking about suicide.

Yesterday at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre we were delighted once more to see so many organisations come together.

Thanks to Lothians Veterans Centre Chris’s House PenumbraThe Edinburgh Crisis CentreSurvivors of Bereavement by Suicide – SOBSEquality NetworkProjekt 42Scottish Trans AllianceWaverley Care – HIV, Hep C & Sexual Health in ScotlandSamaritans for supporting these events over the past few days.

Today we will be at Bristo Square from 11am until 2pm if you would like to come to speak to someone.

We all have our part to play in preventing suicide and, if you are affected by suicide, you are not alone.

#unitedtopreventsuicide