Death rates from suicide in the UK have fallen by 3.2% since 1995, according to the first annual rep...
Death rates from suicide in the UK have fallen by 3.2% since 1995, according to the first annual report of the national suicide prevention strategy, published by the Department of Health (DH).
Between 2000 and 2002, the suicide death rate stood at 8.9 deaths per 100,000 population. This compares to 9.2 deaths per 100,000 population between 1995 and 1997.
"It is encouraging to see that the numbers of suicides is at the lowest rate ever recorded, " said Professor Louis Appleby, national director of mental health at the DH.
"While we must always be cautious when interpreting changes in suicide statistics, the current downward trend is positive news. It is especially encouraging to see the first signs that young male suicides are falling as well."
Professor Appleby said there are still around 4,500 deaths from suicide in England each year. According to the report, men in unskilled occupations are four times more likely to commit suicide than those in professional work. Unemployment, relationship breakdowns, social isolation and substance misuse were listed as other risk factors.
"We know that there is no single approach to suicide prevention. That is why we have developed a broad strategic approach. Our approach may need to be adapted as we gather evidence or learn from experiences or issues raised during implementation," added Professor Appleby.
The official target is to reduce the death rate from suicide and undetermined injury by at least a fifth by 2010.
