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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.
Because some deaths by suicide are only registered after a year or more, statistical agencies often provide updates after the initial release. The data below reflects the most up-to-date data available and will be amended as-and-when agencies provide updated statistics. Please note that this means some numbers will not match the Suicide statistics report, published in December 2019.
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.
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.