Jonny Rogers brings us a poignant piece on this ever-increasing 'public health crisis' and some of the ways which may help to prevent it.
Photo by: Stefano Pollio
According to Our World in Data, almost 800,000 people die from suicide each year, while less than 100,000 are killed in conflict and terrorist activity. As Yuval Noah Harari puts it, “of all the people in the world, you are most likely to be killed by yourself”.
In August this year, the Office for National Statistics released new data on suicides registered in the UK in 2023, reporting, “the highest rate since 1999”—17.4 deaths for every 100,000 males, 5.7 for every 100,000 females with the highest rate for males aged 45-49, at 25.5 deaths for every 100,000.
However, as Full Fact argues, it is easy to misinterpret the data. This study only records the rate at which suicides are being registered; many occurrences are not classified as suicide, and official registrations might only happen months or even years later.
Nevertheless, this data can go some way in helping us approach the topic with greater concern, empathy, and understanding. Ultimately, it is important to remember that each figure represents real lives that have been lost, and that no suicide rate, as Professor Louis Appleby argues, is an acceptable one.
Jacqui Morrissey, Assistant Director of Influencing at emotional support charity Samaritans, says, suicide ought to be approached as a “public health crisis”.
Causes of Suicide
There is no singular cause of suicide, and therefore no simple response. It has been suggested that middle-aged men are more likely to die by suicide due to the inability to attain certain ‘masculine ideals’ which often encourage resistance to showing vulnerability and openness. However, the rate of suicide amongst females aged between 10 and 25 in England and Wales has increased since 2012; and, in the United States, suicides amongst black adolescents increased from 2001 to 2017.
Studies have shown that socio-economic disadvantage is a key risk factor for suicidal behaviour, with suicide rates often increasing after economic recessions. Other vulnerable groups include: gambling and substance addicts; individuals facing financial insecurity, and victims of domestic abuse. A report from the Coroners Court of Victoria found that around a quarter of reported suicides had involved people who had committed or were exposed to familial violence, highlighting the interconnection of suicide with other social issues.
According to Samaritans, excessive media coverage of celebrity suicides has resulted in an increase of suicide in the public arena, with reports—detailing methods and locations—causing an influence on imitators. Furthermore, a study from the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that the release of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why in 2017, which revolves around the aftermath of a teenager’s suicide, coincided with “a significant increase in monthly suicide rates among US youth aged 10 to 17 years”.
On the other hand, stories highlighting people seeking help can model appropriate responses to suicidal ideation and testify that support is available.
Did you know? ‘On 10th September each year, World Suicide Prevention Day aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness among organisations, governments, and the public.’
Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention cannot be isolated from other areas of social intervention, healthcare, or socio-economic mobility, and further research into suicide rates might highlight how governments could provide a more holistic approach to welfare, education, housing, and employment policy.
In 2023, the UK government launched more than 100 new initiatives to reduce suicide rates. The proposed measures include teaching suicide prevention in schools, improved support for vulnerable demographics, and crisis text lines to be offered throughout all areas of England.
Nevertheless, Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, cautioned that proposed initiatives only have value so far as they are underwritten by substantial financial commitments: “A plan without proper funding is like a car with no petrol – it may look great but it’s not going to get you where you need to be.”
While suicide ought to be prioritised as a social issue by the government and local councils, change can and must also occur on the interpersonal level.
"Studies have shown that socio-economic disadvantage is a key risk factor for suicidal behaviour, with suicide rates often increasing after economic recessions. Other vulnerable groups include: gambling and substance addicts; individuals facing financial insecurity, and victims of domestic abuse."
Words of Wisdom
Samantha Lovell, whose brother took his own life in 2020, offers the following advice for those who are struggling, and those who know others that are:
“My message to someone thinking about taking their own life is, talk to people, get help, do anything you can to stop yourself from doing that. You think people are better off without you, that’s not true at all.”
Samaritans can be contacted for free at 116 123, or by emailing jo@samaritans.org. If you have any reason to believe that a friend, neighbour, or member of your family is having a difficult time, take a moment to reach out and invite them to seek the appropriate support.
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Researcher: Jonny Rogers | Editor: Alison Poole | Online Editor: Alison Poole
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