ONS statistics show rise in suicides
ONS statistics have shown today that the level of suicides has risen for the first time in five years, to 11.2 deaths per 100,000 in the population.
Vicki Nash, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, said:
“It’s worrying to see that the suicide rate has increased for the first time since 2013, and we need to understand the bigger picture behind the statistics. We lose several thousand people to suicide each year, and rates among young people and in particular young women seem to be on the rise. The reasons someone might choose to end their own life are many and complex, but what we’re sure of is that even one suicide is one too many.
“There is no room for complacency when it comes to promoting good mental health and preventing suicides. We know that a significant proportion of people who take their own lives have asked for support for their mental health within the last 12 months, which means that services are failing people when they need help the most.
“With more and more people coming forward, it’s absolutely crucial that services are equipped to meet the demand, and this cannot be lost among the current political turmoil. After years of underfunding and increased demand, we were encouraged by the focus on improving mental health services in the NHS Long Term Plan as well as funding earmarked for mental health. But we need to see meaningful change for people trying to access support now.”
