England Suicide Rates Reach 25-Year High in Q4 2023

Suicide rates in England have reached a 25-year high in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and expert analysis. The ONS reported 1,439 suicide deaths during this period, equating to a rate of 11.4 per 100,000 population. This represents a 6% increase compared to previous years.

Experts suggest that the alarming rise in suicide rates may be linked to the economic downturn and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase highlights the urgent need for timely and adequate mental health support for individuals at risk of suicidal tendencies, particularly in emergency department settings where specialized psychiatric assessments and care are often lacking.

Why this matters: The rise in suicide rates is a concerning public health issue that demands immediate attention and action. Addressing the underlying factors contributing to this increase, such as economic instability and the long-term effects of the pandemic, is critical for preventing further loss of life and promoting mental well-being in the population.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among children and young people under 35 in the UK, with rates increasing in this age group. To tackle this issue, a feasibility cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) is being conducted in six secondary schools in Northwest England to evaluate the delivery of a suicide prevention program called the Multimodal Approach to Preventing Suicide in Schools (MAPSS). The program targets Year 10 students (14- and 15-year-olds) and combines universal psychoeducation, screening for suicide risk, and Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for high-risk students. If found feasible, MAPSS has the potential to lead to reduced rates of suicide and suicidal behavior in young people.

The ONS data also reveals regional disparities in suicide rates. Cumbria, for instance, has a suicide rate of 15.5 per 100,000, significantly higher than the England rate of 10.4. Between January 2020 and October 2023, 287 people have died by suspected suicide in Cumbria. The Westmorland and Furness Council's health and wellbeing board has proposed developing a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan for Cumbria for 2024-2029, drawing on past learnings, best practices, and regional and national priorities.

The rise in suicide rates has prompted calls for the government to focus on tackling the mental illness crisis by addressing its root causes and providing accessible mental healthcare. Dr. Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, emphasized that the increase in people out of work for mental health reasons is an unsurprising consequence of the rise in risk factors associated with mental illness, such as poverty, housing and food insecurity, and loneliness, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

The ONS data serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to prioritize mental health support and suicide prevention efforts in England. As Dr. Smith stated, "The government should focus on tackling the mental illness crisis by addressing the causes and providing people with the mental healthcare they need, rather than imposing sanctions and reducing access to benefits." Collaborative efforts from healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities are essential to reverse this <a href="https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/latest-news/detail/2024/04/19/rcpsych-president-responds-to-pm's-announcement-on-reform-of-the-fit-note-process" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer

Key Takeaways

• Suicide rates in England reach 25-year high in Q4 2023, up 6% vs. previous years.
• Experts link rise to economic downturn and COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting need for mental health support.
• Suicide is leading cause of death in UK under-35s, prompting trial of school-based prevention program.
• Regional disparities exist, with Cumbria's rate 50% higher than England's; new prevention plan proposed.
• Calls for government to address root causes of mental illness crisis and provide accessible healthcare.