Male suicide rate hits two-decade high in England and Wales

Male suicide rate hits two-decade high in England and Wales.

Data from the Office for National Statistics found that in 2019, there were 5,691 suicides registered, with an age-standardised rate of 11 deaths per 100,000 population. Men accounted for about three-quarters of suicide deaths registered, 4,303 compared with 1,388 women. The area with the highest rate in 2019 was Yorkshire and the Humber at 20.6 per 100,000.

The England and Wales male suicide rate of 16.9 deaths per 100,000 was the highest since 2000 but remained in the line with the 2018 rate. The rate for women was 5.3 deaths per 100,000, the highest since 2004.

Samaritans pointed to “worrying trends”, including men aged 45-49 remaining at the highest risk of suicide, and an increase in suicide rates among young people, especially women under 25. An increase in suicide rates among people aged 25 to 44 in recent years continued in 2019.

“Many have been worried about losing their job and/or business and their finances, with common themes around not being able to pay rent/mortgage, inability to support the family and fear of homelessness.”

“Higher rates of suicide among middle-aged men in recent years might be because this group is more likely to be affected by economic adversity, alcoholism and isolation. It could also be that this group is less inclined to seek help.”

Undoubtedly, the pandemic has affected everyone in society, but Samaritans is particularly worried about three groups: people with pre-existing mental health conditions, young people who self-harm, and less well-off middle-aged men.

“With the impact of the pandemic this year taking a huge toll on people’s mental wellbeing, we should be even more concerned,” said the charity’s chief executive, Ruth Sutherland.