Changing suicide trends: A shift in regional disparities across the UK

Abstract

Background

In 2023, suicide rates in England & Wales reached their highest levels since 1999. Despite changes in legal definitions and registration methods impacting trends, this increase reflects growing individual suffering. International comparisons suggest that while the UK saw a 12 % rise in suicide rates between 1999 and 2020, many other European countries experienced significant declines.

Methods

We used publicly available data from the Office for National Statistics on suicide rates from 1981 to 2023, by sex and geographical region in England & Wales. We conducted descriptive and statistical analyses with the Joinpoint regression programme to identify significant discontinuities in trends in suicide rates.

Results

In 1981, London had the highest suicide rates, but by 2023, it reported the lowest for both sexes, with declines of 51 % for men and 69 % for women. In contrast, the North East and North West now have much higher rates, particularly in men. Several regions have seen little improvement.

Conclusions

There are substantial regional differences in suicide trends in England. These are consistent with known social and economic changes and point to a need for whole of government responses.