Marking World Suicide Prevention Day

The statistics regarding suicide make for bleak reading. In 2021, there were 5,583 suicides registered in England.* There were 347 registered in Wales*, and 237 in Northern Ireland.** The latest statistics from Scotland revealed that there were 762 probable suicides in 2022.***

It's important to remember as well that behind every statistic is a personal tragedy with devastated families and friends left behind.

In all four nations, the rate of male suicide was considerably higher than the rate of female suicide, with almost three quarters of suicides in England in 2021 being male. The tragedy is, suicide is preventable, and it's not inevitable. Early identification and effective action can get people the care they need. 

Much progress has been made in tackling stigma, discrimination and increasing awareness of suicide aided by high-profile celebrities speaking out and raising awareness. 

Just this week we have seen TV and radio personality Roman Kemp publish an open letter to the government calling for greater mental health support in schools, and has previously spoken open about his mental health challenges following the suicide of his close friend and Capital FM co-worker, Joe Lyons, in 2020.

He previously appeared in a documentary, Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency alongside Professor Rory O'Connor, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Earlier this year, Professor O'Connor, published a paper in the Lancet which detailed priorities and actionable solutions to prevent premature mortality associated with mental illness and mental distress.

Titled 'Gone Too Soon', it said: 'Too many people die prematurely from suicide and the comorbidities associated with mental illness and mental distress.'

'The time to act is now, to rebuild health-care systems, leverage changes in funding landscapes, and address the effects of stigma, discrimination, marginalisation, gender violence, and victimisation.'

This year, World Suicide Prevention Day focuses on creating hope through action, aiming to encourage understanding and compassion around suicide by listening and reaching out to support. 

In 2020, Professor O'Connor blogged for the BPS, saying, 'Now more than ever we need action on suicide prevention'. This message rings as true as ever, and we hope that this World Suicide Prevention Day continues to make inroads into tackling stigma and discrimination, promotes greater understanding about the thoughts behind suicidal thinking and the need for bold and brave public awareness campaigns.

There is a wealth of research and information regarding suicide in the Psychologist and Research Digest archives, which can be found below.

You can also find out more about World Suicide Prevention Day via the International Association for Suicide Prevention's website.

Further reading

• 'Even the bleakest moments are not permanent'
• How can we understand the suicidal mind in the moment of crisis?
• Report warns on rising child suicide in England
• Striking similarities in personal stories

Support and advice

• Samaritans has a free helpline for adults who need to talk. Call 116 123. It's open 24 hours, 365 days of the year. They also offer email support.
• If a child or young person is experiencing a mental health crisis, they can contact YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free, 24/7 on YM 85258.

Sources

*Source – Office for National Statistics, Suicides in England and Wales: 2021 registrations

** Source – Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

*** Source – National Records of Scotland, Probable Suicides