Highland suicide rate higher than national average according to latest Scottish figures
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A total of 52 probable suicides were recorded in the NHS Highland region last year.
According to figures published today by National Records of Scotland there were 762 probable suicides across the country in 2022.
An overall increase of nine compared to 2021 the 52 cases in Highland was a slight increase on 49 cases recorded in 2021.
Weighted for population size the Highland rate was higher than the Scottish average as were rates in Dundee, East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross.
Daniel Burns, head of vital events statistics at the National Records of Scotland (NRS), said: “While today’s statistics show a small increase in the number of suicide deaths, the rate of mortality in the last number of years has been fairly steady.
“The longer term trend shows that over the last 30 years the rate of suicides for males is around three times as high as the female rate.
“Over the last two decades the average age of death has increased, from a low of 41.9 years in 2000 to 48.2 years in 2022.
“The figures also show that the rate of suicide in the most deprived areas in Scotland was 2.6 times as high as in the least deprived areas in Scotland.”
Jo Anderson, director of influence and change at mental health charity SAMH, said: “It is heartbreaking to learn that Scotland lost 762 people to suicide in 2022, nine more than in the previous year. Every death by suicide is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the people we have lost too soon.
“Following positive progress in reducing deaths by suicide in Scotland, today’s figures appear to indicate that progress has plateaued. Worryingly, wider pressures mean the number of people experiencing suicidal thoughts could further increase in the coming years – unless we act now. We are hopeful that the new Grampian Suicide Prevention Partnership will be a regional model for this way of working."
Launched last year the partnership sees SAMH, NHS Grampian Public Health and Police Scotland working more closely together to share information and resources to better support the local community.
Ms Anderson continued: “Today’s update underlines how vital it is that we do not become complacent in our suicide prevention work. From the third sector and government, to communities and workplaces, we need to redouble our efforts and work to support people who are at risk of suicide – and we can all help to play our part.
“Suicide prevention is so important to SAMH. Our recent Ask Them About Suicide campaign received an overwhelming response with its simple yet powerful message. If you’re worried about someone, asking them if they are having thoughts of suicide could give them the permission they need to open up. In fact, it could even save their life.”
There is a range of help and support available for anyone struggling wirh their mental health or thoughts of suicide:
- Mikeysline is available via text at 07786 207755, through WhatsApp at 01463 729000, or contact it via Messenger, webchat or Twitter.
- James Support Group has established a 24-hour helpline and a network of support groups across the Highlands for people bereaved by suicide and those experiencing suicidal thoughts. They can be contacted on 07563 572471 or email support@jamessupportgroup.com
- The Samaritans are available free at any time, from any phone, on 116 123, by email at jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org
