Middle-aged Men 'Highest Risk' of Suicide During Recession
- 11 Sep
Middle-aged men are now the group at highest risk of committing suicide in England, statistics reveal.
Men aged 35-49 years old have the highest rate of suicide and will be targeted in a new suicide prevention strategy launched by the government yesterday. It is backed by a call to action led by the Samaritans and up to £1.5 million for new research and focuses on supporting the bereaved families of suicide deaths, as well as preventing suicide amongst groups that are at risk.
Key reasons for the change are thought to be job or money worries due to the recession, according to the new government strategy, however it is not as clear cut as that there is usually numerous factors in something so complex.
Research had shown that stigma associated with mental health problems could be a key aspect of people not going to their GP for help, so the Government is committed to supporting Time to Change, the national anti-stigma campaign for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Suicide rates among young men - previously the most at-risk group - have fallen. There was a total of 4,215 suicides recorded in 2010. In recent years the number of suicides has fallen but the most recent figures show that in 2008-10 the three-year average suicide rate for 35-49 year old males was the highest of any group, at 20.8 per 100,000 population.According to the strategy:
Previously, periods of high unemployment or severe economic problems have had an adverse effect on the mental health of the population and have been associated with higher rates of suicide.
Evidence is emerging of an impact of the current recession on suicides in affected countries.Several key areas for action have been identified including:
- a better understanding of why people commit suicide and how it can be prevented - supported by new suicide prevention research funding
- better support for high-risk groups - such as those with mental health problems and people who self-harm
- reducing opportunities for suicide, by making sure prisons and mental health facilities keep people safer and by safer prescribing of potentially lethal drugs
- providing better information and support to those bereaved or affected by suicide.
Care minister Norman Lamb said:"Over the last 10 years there has been real progress in reducing the suicide rate, but it is still the case that someone takes their own life every two hours in England.
We want to reduce suicides by better supporting those most at risk and providing information for those affected by a loved one's suicide."
Catherine Johnstone, chair of the call to action steering group and chief executive of Samaritans, said:"For the strategy to be a success it requires local agencies to implement the recommendations. We are calling on all local authorities to develop their own plans and initiatives, to make sure less lives are lost to suicide."
Paul Farmer, chief executive of the mental health charity Mind, welcomed the strategy, but said:"As with all strategies, the real value comes with implementation.
The funding pledged for research is a vital contribution. However, at a time when there are cuts to health services, we would strongly urge the government to invest in the services it expects to deliver this strategy.
In addition, as our new health minister has today acknowledged, suicide prevention is everyone's business, so we need to see a real commitment from all government departments in supporting those at risk."
Related articles
- 11 Sep
People in Bedfordshire can find mental health support through an audio guide
The guides have been written by clinical psychologists and are available to download in print or listen to as an audio file, reports Bedfordshire News.Dr Judy Baxter, Clinical Director with BCCG and...
- 10 Sep
Police officers in Dorset to receive mental health training
The partnership with the University comes as part of the county’s Mental Health Street Triage Project. It is hoped to equip officers with improved knowledge and skills to assess members of the...
- 09 Sep
People in Peterborough can refer themselves for mental health services
Through a drive to offer support to more people and ease pressure on doctors, people living in Peterborough can self-refer themselves to mental health services, reports Peterborough Today.Dr Adrian...
- 08 Sep
The first mental health centre for men
The site has been set up by Alex Eaton, whose dad took his own life and has suffered with mental health problems himself, in Burton upon Trent, reports BBC Newsbeat.Mr Eaton said: "We are the only...
- 07 Sep
NHS trust told no mental health beds available
Dr Bohdan Solomka has said that on Sunday a lack of beds were applied across the NHS and among private providers, reports the BBC. The director of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trusts...
- 07 Sep
Over 16,000 mental health referrals for young people have been rejected
Between July last year and June this year, data from the NHS has found that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services rejected 5,396 referrals, reports STV News.Over the last three years 16,565...
- 04 Sep
New mental health centre to open in Ardwick
Plans to build a new £6m treatment and recovery centre in Manchester have been revealed. It will be built in Ardwick and be run by Alternative Futures Group, reports the Manchester Evening...
- 03 Sep
Research finds more chance of re-offending if mental health issues are present
Research has found that ex-prisoners with mental health problems and drug and alcohol misuse are more likely to commit violent offences after release than other former prisoners, reports the...
- 02 Sep
Drop in the number of people with mental health issues held in cells
Recent figures have found that the Crisis Care Concordat has seen over 10,000 people receive care from mental health nurses with the support from police officers, reports the Burton Mail.Figures have...
- 02 Sep
Mental health social work scheme accepting applications
100 places are now available for applicants who have a 2:1 or above undergraduate degree and can demonstrate attributes such as resilience and empathy, reports Community Care.The Think Ahead...
What are the Future Funding Arrangements for Supported and Sheltered Housing? "Information on Exempt Accommodation & DWP Review was very informative, but also commend your approach in delivering workshops/conferences in a proactive way, and use of email and your website as a public resource" P.C. - The Hyde Group
