Some stats
- The worldwide suicide rate is 15 in 100,000 people - in the EU is is 17.5; in England it is 10; in both Northern Ireland and Wales it is 11; and in Scotland it is 20.
- Suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 35.
- Men are three times more likely to kill themselves than women. This surprises some - despite or because of the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment for depression (29% compared to 17%).
- Britain has the highest rate of self-harm in Europe - 400 per 100,000 people. People who self-harm are at a much increased risk of death by suicide.
All these stats come from the Mental Health Foundation report Fundamental Facts.
In the UK, the Samaritans provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings. They can be contacted by telephone, email, letter and face to face. If you need to, talk to them.
Interesting post and numbers. Thanks for sharing the help info. The more it is out there, the greater the likelihood is that someone will use it.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful and important words...
ReplyDeleteA sobering, but necessary post. :O(
ReplyDeleteLocal authoritues/NHS trusts also run drop-in centres which can be found on the internet. They're a useful support depending on the individual who might need it - they're not everybody's cup of tea.
And of course there are voluntary organisations like MIND - http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/
DeleteMy 26 yr old niece committed suicide (hung herself from a tree) last Halloween. My older brother (her dad) and my mom raised her with lots of love and material things. She had a ton of friends and cousins and other extended family she was close to. No one suspected any problems - still not sure why (no notes, etc.)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this.
DeleteHaving been there, I can tell you that even those who do get to the stage where we feel the only thing to do is to kill ourselves often can't find a *reason* for it. It's bloody hard on those left behind.
Thanks Edwin, always good t highlight. I have known too many many who have chosen this root. Often questioned what I could have done . But who knows what goes on in the mind of others.. Or sometimes ones own...I took great joy from Robin Williams over the years.
ReplyDeleteAcross the road from me is a park. Sadly last year a tree was used for a suicide. I can't help but feel sad when I walk past that tree. It's a terrible thing and it is actually very common among Aboriginal communities here in North Australia. Usually young men and boys.
ReplyDeleteTake care everybody and take care of each other.
cheers
I was unaware at how common it was in England I wonder why that is. The Robin Williams event is sad.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad, sad thing. There is help out there but when you are depressed it is hard to see how anything will help. Not sure where I'm going with this, but thanks for taking the time to thoughtfully post about it.
ReplyDelete