Recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have highlighted the rising suicide rates across England and Wales. The data reveals significant regional disparities and an overall increase in the number of deaths by suicide, marking the highest rates seen in nearly 25 years.
There were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales in 2023 - up from 5,642 in 2022.
Regional Disparities
In England, the North West had the highest suicide rate at 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people, while London had the lowest at 7.3 deaths per 100,000. These figures are based on deaths registered each calendar year, rather than the actual date of death. The ONS noted that due to registration delays, only 39% of deaths registered in 2023 occurred in the same year, with over half (51%) happening in 2022 and the remainder in 2021 or earlier.
Yearly Comparisons
The suicide rate in 2023 was 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest since 1999. Wales had a higher rate than England, with 14.0 deaths per 100,000 compared to England’s 11.2 per 100,000. Across both nations, the male suicide rate rose to 17.4 deaths per 100,000, the highest since 1999. The female rate increased from 5.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 to 5.7 in 2023, the highest in nearly 30 years.
Age and Gender Disparities
The highest rates were among men aged 45 to 49, at 25.5 deaths per 100,000, and women aged 50 to 54, at 9.2 deaths per 100,000. Vahe Nafilyan, head of data and analysis for social care and health at the ONS, stated that suicide rates in England and Wales in 2023 were the highest in nearly 25 years, with increases across all age groups, particularly those aged 45 to 64. Males continued to account for around three-quarters of deaths by suicide, a trend seen since the mid-1990s.
Conclusion
These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems, especially for the most vulnerable age groups and regions. Addressing the underlying causes and providing accessible mental health resources can help mitigate this growing crisis.
Help is available: Call the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour support
