Why have UK suicide rates fallen?

Suicide rates in the UK dropped in 2016 by more than in any other year in the past two decades, official figures have revealed.

Data from the Office for National Statistics show the number of suicides registered last year fell by 3.6%, a decrease of 223 deaths from 6,188 in 2015.

While rates for men and women have both fallen, men still account for three-quarters of all cases and Britain is still in the midst of “male suicide crisis”, says Esquire.

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Although suicides among men aged 75 and over have more than halved over the past 35 years, males aged 20 to 49 are more likely to die from suicide than any other cause of death, and men aged 40 to 44 have the highest suicide rate of any demographic (15.3 per 100,000).

This overall drop was not distributed evenly across the country. England has seen a significant reduction in recent years but in Scotland the rate has risen. Both Wales and Northern Ireland have recorded a slight fall.

Mental health problems, alcohol and substance abuse, breakdown in relationships, bereavement and loneliness are all major contributors that can lead to depression and suicide, especially over the Christmas period.

Social factors are also linked to suicide rates, with people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds ten times more likely to take their lives than those in more affluent areas.

The Guardian says “prevention work in England has been credited for the drop”, following a coordinated effort by the Government, the NHS, charities, the British Transport Police and others. The Government’s latest progress report found in January that 95% of local authorities in England “have plans in place or in development” to reduce suicide.

“The national suicide prevention strategy for England has included work to reduce the risk of suicide in high-risk groups,” says the ONS. “These include young and middle-aged men, people in the care of mental health services, and those in the criminal justice system.”

Earlier this year, former deputy PM Nick Clegg described suicide as “a massive taboo”, the last in mental health, and Theresa May has made the issue one of her key domestic policy objectives.

But while charities including The Samaritans say that while big steps have been made to raise awareness around depression and mental health, suicide still kills three times more people than road accidents a year.

“Suicide is not inevitable, it’s preventable,” a Samaritans spokeswomen told the BBC. “Politicians, employers, health bodies and educators all have a role in identifying and supporting those most at risk.”

If someone you’re worried about expresses suicidal feelings, you or they should contact a GP or the NHS 111 helpline. You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123 for confidential, 24-hour support, or call Mind, the mental health charity, on 0300 123 3393.