Samaritans Scotland has responded to today’s release of data from National Records of Scotland in its annual update on suicide statistics for 2023.
Key Points
- 792 deaths by suicide in 2023, this is an increase of 30 from the previous year, and the second consecutive rise.
- The overall suicide rate was 14.6 per 100,000. This was a slight increase on the previous year, but in line with the previous five-year average.
- People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those living in the least deprived areas. This is higher than the deprivation gap of 1.8 times for all causes of death.
- At council level, the rate was higher than the Scottish average in Dundee City, Highland, and East Ayrshire.
- The mortality rate for suicides in 2023 was 3.2 times as high for males as it was for females.
- Since 2000, the average age of death for suicides has generally increased, from a low of 41.9 years in 2000 to 46.6 years in 2023
Our Response
Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the 792 people who sadly took their own lives in Scotland last year.
“We know that suicide is complex and there is rarely a single reason why someone may decide to take their own life.
“It's important not to focus only on the 2023 numbers, but to look at the longer-term trend. The five-year average for annual deaths by suicide is 789 people. It is also important today to remember that there are people struggling and people grieving.
“The figures released today underline the importance of suicide prevention work taking place in our communities and across the country.
“It is vital that the Scottish Government and COSLA’s ambitious suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together, continues to be supported and funded to deliver its vision of reducing the number of suicide deaths in Scotland, whilst also tackling the issues and inequalities which contribute to suicide.
“As a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland, we are continuing to work with the Scottish Government, COSLA and other dedicated partners to deliver Creating Hope Together.
“Our work as a Strategic Outcome Lead involves supporting a whole of government and whole of society approach to suicide prevention, including making our environment safer, supporting communities at higher risk of suicide, and promoting responsible media reporting.
“Behind each of the 792 people are families, friends and communities. We keep those lost to suicide and everyone impacted by their loss in our minds as we continue our essential work to ensure fewer people die by suicide in Scotland.”
Samaritans volunteers are available to anyone in emotional distress, 24-7, 365-days-a-year – just call 116 123.
Notes to Editors
- Samaritans’ research into the impacts of inequality on suicide is available here.
- Please also consider our Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide in any coverage of these figures. Responsible media coverage can play a significant role in supporting good mental health by raising awareness of valuable sources of support and encouraging people to reach out for help. Alarmist reports can have the effect of normalising or exaggerating the prevalence of suicide. This is likely to increase people’s anxiety and sense of hopelessness and could normalise suicidal behaviour.
- Please apply caution when quoting statistics and be aware that suicide rates in a single year may deviate from an overall trend. It is best to look at timeframes of three or more years to identify significant patterns.
- Remind people that suicide is preventable by encouraging help-seeking and including sources of support, such as Samaritans. Whatever you’re going through, you can call Samaritans free any time on 116 123 or email: [email protected]
- Suicide Prevention Scotland’s analysis of the data can be found here