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Suicide rate in young men in Scotland is twice that in England and Wales

Bryan Christie Edinburgh

Action is to be taken in Scotland in an attempt to halt an alarming rise in suicides among men, which have increased by more than 70% in the past 30 years.

The biggest increase has taken place among men under the age of 34, and suicide is now responsible for more deaths of young men in Scotland than road traffic accidents. More than half of the 600 suicides in Scotland each year now occur in men under 44, and rates are twice as high as those in England and Wales. Higher levels of poverty and unemployment in Scotland are considered to be important factors behind the increase.

Suicide rates among women in Scotland have fallen slightly since the 1970s and are now three times lower than rates among men. However, the proportion of women under 44 who kill themselves every year in Scotland is twice that in England and Wales.

The Scottish health department has published a consultative report that sets out a series of proposals on how the problem can be tackled. The proposals include practical suggestions such as making popular sites for suicide less accessible and appointing "local champions" who will work in communities to identify factors that contribute to the risk of suicide and who coordinate action to address them. There are also plans to establish a telephone helpline and referral service for people experiencing problems who might not normally be in touch with health services.

The Scottish health department has also agreed to spend £4m ($6m) promoting mental health and wellbeing in an attempt to eradicate the stigma of mental health problems. It is also hoped that this will encourage people in trouble to seek help at an early stage.

Scotland’s deputy health minister, Malcolm Chisholm, said: "There are no easy solutions to the prevention of suicide and self harm, but we can make a start. It is only by working together in a long term, sustained effort that we can begin to have a positive impact on Scotland’s appalling suicide rate."

The report was welcomed by Professor Steve Platt of Edinburgh University’s department of health and behavioural change, who has conducted research into suicide trends. "The framework recognises the importance of addressing the problem both in high risk groups and at a population level. The broad state of society and the economy as a whole have an impact on suicide."

Framework for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm can be found at www.show.scot.nhs.uk
 

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