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Suicide facts and figures

Suicide statistics and trends for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

We’re the only organisation that collates suicide statistics for the UK, its nations, and the Republic of Ireland.

Here is a summary of key facts from suicides that occurred in 2019. This includes suicides in England and Wales and Scotland only, due to delays in availability of data for Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the overall UK data. Figures for the UK for 2019 will be released by the Office for National Statistics at a later stage.

Key facts and trends from 2019

Suicide rate in England and Wales

There were 5,691 suicides in England and Wales in 2019, that is 321 more compared to the year before. The suicide rate has remained the same as in 2018– 11 deaths per 100,000 people, but the rates are still higher than in recent years.

Suicide rate in Scotland

There were 833 suicides in 2019 in Scotland. This is 49 more on 2018, increasing the overall suicide rate from 15.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2018 to 16.6 per 100,000 in 2019.

Rising suicide rates in under-25s in England and Wales

The rate for females under 25 has increased by 93.8% since 2012, to its highest level in 2019.

England and Wales: suicide rates in 2019 were highest in middle-age

Men aged 45 - 49 and women aged 50 - 54 had the highest suicide rates in England and Wales in 2019. The rate for men aged 45 - 49 was 25.5 per 100,000 and the rate for women aged 50 - 54 was 7.4 per 100,000.

Here is a summary of the key facts and trends from suicides that occurred in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2018.

Key facts and trends from 2018

Total number of suicides

In the UK and Republic of Ireland, there were 6,944 suicides in 2018. In the UK, there were 6,507 suicides in 2018. In the Republic of Ireland, there were 437 suicides in 2018.

UK: an increase in the overall suicide rate

Deaths by suicide rose by 10.9% in the UK in 2018.

UK: rising suicide rates in middle-aged men

Men aged 45 - 49 still have the highest rate of suicides. The suicide rate increased for this group in 2018.

Scotland: and increase in suicide in young men

In Scotland, the suicide rate among young people aged 15 - 24 increased by 52.7%. This is the highest it has been since 2007.

We publish the UK suicide facts and trends annually in our Suicide Statistics Report. You can download the latest release of the report below.

Download document: Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report

17.9 mb - PDF

In England and Wales the standard of proof used by coroners to determine whether a death was caused by suicide was lowered in July 2018. For further information see page 32 of Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report.

How do we get suicide statistics?

There are challenges to accurately recording and reporting the number of deaths by suicide. This video shows the journey to suicide statistics and what the challenges are.

Why do we look at suicide statistics?

At Samaritans, we monitor suicide statistics to make sure we reach those most at risk, and prevent suicide. Watch this video to find out more.

Three key principles for using suicide data

It’s not always easy to interpret suicide statistics. This video outlines three key principles for understanding and using suicide data.

Campaigns

Help create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

National and local suicide prevention plans

We’re working with governments across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Supporting less well-off, middle-aged men

Our report, Out of sight, out of mind: Why less well-off, middle-aged men don’t get the support they need, focuses on the lived experience of men.

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Samaritans is a charity registered in England and Wales (219432) and in Scotland (SC040604) and incorporated in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee (757372). Samaritans Ireland is a charity registered in the Republic of Ireland (20033668) and incorporated in the Republic of Ireland as a company limited by guarantee (450409). Samaritans in Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (SC009843) and incorporated as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Samaritans Enterprises is a private limited company (01451175).