Statistics
Around 4,500 people kill themselves in England and Wales each year (1 in 100 deaths), while at least 10 times that number attempt suicide.
In almost all cultures, the suicide rate rises with age, with the highest rates in the UK for those over 75. In recent years, suicide has also increased in young men, now being the second leading cause of death in the 15-24 age group, after accidents.
Certain factors are known to be associated with increased risk, including drug and alcohol misuse, unemployment, social isolation and family breakdown. People with a diagnosed mental health problem are at particular risk. Indeed, up to 90% of suicide victims have been reported to have been suffering from a psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
The highest risks of suicide are among alcoholics and those with a diagnosis of clinical depression (both 15%) or schizophrenia (10%). Previous suicide attempts are also an indication of particular risk. Up to 20% of survivors try again within a year, and as a group they are 100 times more likely to go on to complete suicide than those who have never tried before.
N.B. Suicide is not the same as self-harm.
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Written in 2000
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