Today NISRA released the number of suicides registered in 2021 to find more about the statistics, please see: https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/suicide-statistics-2021
Following the release Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland released the following statement:
"When speaking about suicide statistics it is important that we always acknowledge that the numbers are real people, with loving families and friends who are left devastated.
Today’s suicide statistics show that 237 suicide deaths were registered in 2021, this number is higher than 2020 and 2019 and similar to 2018. These numbers are high, it is unacceptable that we have so many preventable deaths, and we must do all we can to prevent each and every death.
The data released today is deaths by year of registration, and it is important to note that registration of a death as a suicide can take up to 3 years. We would usually look at changes over time to establish trends, however it is difficult to determine the general trend in the case of suicide deaths in Northern Ireland because changes in how deaths are coded means that these data can’t be compared with data prior to 2015.
The 2021 suicide rate for Northern Ireland is 14.3 per 100,000. This is slightly higher than Scotland (14), & higher than England/Wales (10.5). However, again comparisons are unreliable because the UK regions use slightly different classification methods, suicide is not measured in the same way in all of these regions.
Suicide prevention involves ensuring that support is available for people experiencing crisis, mental health services, and also working to reduce inequalities, adversities and trauma, particularly in childhood. The Protect Life 2 - Suicide Prevention Strategy is currently being implemented with the aim of reducing these deaths. It contains actions that we know will over time reduce the numbers of people who die by suicide. Whilst this Strategy is being implemented we need more funding (10-26%) so that we can complete all the actions in full. Likewise, the Mental Health Strategy is really strong and includes actions that will prevent and treat mental illness, which is associated with suicide. This Strategy is being implemented this year, but it will need an increase in funding to £24.38 million next year (year 2) and £42.08 million (year 3). It is currently unclear whether this funding will be made available.
Suicide is preventable and it is important to remember that most people who have suicidal thoughts do not go on to take their lives. If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or Samaritans on 116 123."
Link to articles:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63806309
