New statistics show an increase in suicide rates in Scotland

24th November 2020

New figures have revealed an increase in deaths by suicide in Scotland.

Statistics released today show that 833 people died by suicide in Scotland in 2019. This compares to 784 deaths by suicide in 2018. For background briefing on statistics on deaths by suicide, visit the Scottish Public Health Observatory website.

Billy Watson, SAMH Chief Executive, said,

“In 2019, we lost 833 people in Scotland to suicide: sadly, this is an increase on the previous year. Any death by suicide is a tragedy, and the effect on individuals, families and communities of each of these deaths is immense. If ever there was a time to come together: as charitable and public organisations, as communities and as a nation, that time is now. It’s vital that we make sure all of the families affected get support, and that everyone who is experiencing suicidal feelings is able to access help quickly.”

For information and resources to help people affected by suicide, visit the SAMH website. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel you can no longer keep yourself safe and are in danger, please seek immediate help. You can go to any hospital A&E - call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you can't get to A&E. If you don’t want to go to A&E but need to speak to someone, you can find helpful organisations here: samh.org.uk/seekingsupport