THE number of probable suicides in Scotland showed a “distressing” rise last year, according to new statistics.
National Records for Scotland (NRS) figures show there were 792 probable suicides in 2023 – an increase of 30 on the previous year.
Male suicides increased by 34 to 590, while female suicides decreased by four to 202 deaths in the latest year. The rate of suicide in males was over three times as high as the rate for females.
The average age of death for suicides has increased overall, from 41.9 in the year 2000 to 46.6 in 2023.
Phillipa Horton, head of vital events statistics at NRS, said: "There were 2.5 times more deaths by suicide in the most deprived areas of Scotland than in the least deprived areas.
“Remote small towns have had the highest suicide rates for most of the last decade, with the lowest rates being found in large urban areas.”
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Dundee, the Highlands and East Ayrshire council areas all had the highest rates of suicide, according to the NRS.
Dr Murray Smith, suicide prevention lead, Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, added: "The increased rate in probable deaths in some of our most deprived areas, illustrates the ongoing health inequalities experienced by many Scots."
The Scottish Government has said it is working with Cosla, the umbrella organisation for Scottish councils, in a bid to reduce the number of suicides.
Ministers hope to make public services “work together” to support people at risk of taking their own lives and people affected by suicide.
They also want to address factors such as inequality, stigma and discrimination which can lead to suicide.
The Scottish Government highlighted the self-harm action it launched last year, which is focused on reducing the number of people self-harming. It includes funding for a service providing support to people self-harming.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd (above) 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.
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“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.”
Professor Rory O’Connor, chair of the Scottish Government’s suicide prevention academic advisory group, said the rise was similar to that seen in other countries and was “sadly” not surprising “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”.
He added: “Every single death is heart-breaking, 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.”
Shona Morrison, president of Cosla, said that the organisation sought to improve the “mental health and wellbeing of our communities” and tackle the underlying problems which contributed to suicide.
You can call the Samaritans charity for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
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