Download document: Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report
17.9 mb - PDF
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. We publish these annually in our Suicide Statistics Report. You can download this year's report below.
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 from 2018
Total number of suicides
In the UK & Republic of Ireland, there were 6,859 suicides in 2018. In the UK, there were 6,507 suicides. In the Republic of Ireland, there were 352 suicides.
UK: an increase in the overall suicide rate
Deaths by suicide rose by 10.9% in the UK in 2018.
Suicide rates for men and women
In the UK, men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women. In the Republic of Ireland, the rate is four times higher among men than women.
Suicide rates by age and gender
In the UK, the highest suicide rate is among men aged 45-49. In the Republic of Ireland, the highest rate is among men aged 55-65.
Key trends from 2018
UK: rising suicide rates in under-25s
The rate of deaths among under 25s increased by 23.7%, reaching 730 deaths 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: an 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.
Republic of Ireland: continuing decrease in the suicide rate
In the Republic of Ireland, suicide rates have continued to fall for both men and women. In recent years, rates have fluctuated more than in the UK but are currently at their lowest since 1989.
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.