1 in 5 suicides are preventable

1 in 5 suicides are preventable. 

Evidence suggests that some suicides connected with mental health conditions may have been avoided. One study estimated 20% of suicides of people with current or recent mental health conditions may have been preventable,

suggesting some individuals’ needs are not being met.

SOURCE: EHRC How Fair Is Britain Report, referencing Allmark, P. et al. 2010. Chapter 6. Page 16.

Suicide Is Preventable According To Researchers

Mental Health NHS Trusts can take action to reduce suicide rates. 

in 2001 by the National Confidential Report Into Suicide and Homicide by People With Mental Illness made a series of recommendations to reduce suicide rates. 

By 2006, the suicide rate was 9.1 per 10,000 patient contacts in a year for authorities which had introduced at least seven of the 9 recommended measures. The rate was higher, 11 per 10,000, for those which had introduced six or fewer.

SOURCE: The Lancet

See Also: Measures reduced suicide rate (BBC)

Suicide: Military personnel at higher risk

Young men leaving the armed forces at 2-3 times more likely to commit suicide. 

A study of 233, 803 personnel leaving the UK military forces between 1996

and 2005 reported that young men aged 24 and younger have been found to

be at greater risk of suicide – two to three times higher than for the same age groups in the general population and those still serving

in the forces (Kapur et al, 2009). 

The risk was greater among males, those with a short service and those of lower rank.

SOURCE: Self Harm, suicide and risk: helping people who self harm - Royal College of Psychiatrists College Report CR158

Suicide: Unemployed men at higher risk

Men who are unemployed are two to three times more likely to commit suicide.

Men are 50% more likely to be unemployed and twice as likely to be long-term unemployed. 

SOURCE: Self Harm, suicide and risk: helping people who self harm - Royal College of Psychiatrists College Report CR158

References: (Platt, 2003; Rehkopf & Buka, 2006;O’Reilly et al, 2008) and (Hawton et al, 2001) 

Suicide: Higher Risk Amongst Male Young Offenders

Young offenders are 18 times more likely to commit suicide 

SOURCE: Self Harm, suicide and risk: helping people who self harm - Royal College of Psychiatrists College Report CR158

Suicide: School Exclusion Increases Risk

Boys are more likely to be excluded from school and excluded boys are 19 times more likely to commit suicide

SOURCE: The long term costs of numeracy difficulties - Every Child A Chance Trust