Suicide figures show narrowing of inequality gap

New figures released today by ScotPHO confirm there were 728 deaths by suicide in Scotland in 2016, an increase of 56 deaths from the previous year. There remains an overall decrease of 17% from 2002-2006 to 2012-2016 when taken in the context of 5 year rolling averages used to determine long term trends.

The difference in the rates of suicides in the most and least deprived areas has also decreased.

These downward trends represent a strong achievement by all who work in the suicide prevention field, though the need for national and local work is still very clear.

Shirley Windsor, Organisation Lead – Public Mental Health at NHS Health Scotland commented

“Although it is encouraging that the figures released today show a narrowing of the inequality gap in deaths by suicide, as well as a continuing decrease in terms of 5 year rolling averages, it is important to remember that every death by suicide is a tragedy of life changing impact on families and communities.”

You can view the new figures on the ScotPHO website.

You can find out more information about suicide prevention on our Suicide page.