SUICIDE rates in young girls have reached record levels, shocking new figures out today have revealed.
Figures from the Official for National Statistics show that #suicides in #females aged 10 to 24 have soared by 83 per cent in six years.
The figures also show that in 2018, rates among boys in the same age group were up 25 per cent from the previous year.
But men remain at the highest risk – particularly those aged from 45 to 49 – and continue to account for three quarters of all suicides in 2018.
Last year The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign, to remind those in the grips of mental illness that there is hope and to encourage people to watch out for the warning signs a loved one could be in trouble.
Big life events, like a death in the family, divorce and redundancy can leave people feeling vulnerable and trigger mental health issues.
Mental health charities warned girls were struggling with pressures at school, concerns about body image and relationships.
They called for more investment in NHS mental health services, so kids can get help before they reach “crisis point”.
The latest figures show that in England, suicide among men is up 14 per cent with significant increases in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Last year, there were 6,507 suicides registered in the UK in total – an increase of 11 per cent from 2017.
Following several years of decline, the latest UK suicide rate has now increased to the level seen when it previously peaked in 2013.
Scotland had the highest suicide rate per 100,000 people, followed by Wales and England.
The ONS said that the “exact reasons” for the rise are unknown but changes made in the last year to the way coroners record such deaths may be a factor.
In July 2018 the standard of proof used by coroners to determine whether a death was a suicide was lowered.
The key signs your loved one is at risk of suicide
There are several warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide. But it’s vital to know that they won’t always be obvious.
While some people are quite visibly in pain and become withdrawn and depressed, others may continue their life as normal pretending everything is fine.
Look out for subtle personality changes in friends and family, especially if you know they have been going through a tough time, Lorna told The Sun Online.
These are the key signs to watch out for:
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
- Struggling to sleep, lacking energy or appearing particularly tired
- Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Becoming withdrawn from friends and family – not wanting to talk or be with people
- Appearing more tearful
- Appearing restless, agitated, nervous, irritable
- Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example ‘Oh, no one loves me’, or ‘I’m a waste of space’
- Losing interest in their appearance, not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don’t matter
Nick Stripe, head of health analysis and life events at ONS, said: “We saw a significant increase in the rate of deaths registered as suicide last year which has changed a trend of continuous decline since 2013.
“While the exact reasons for this are unknown, the latest data show that this was largely driven by an increase among men who have continued to be most at risk of dying by suicide.
#JamesDonaldsononMentalHealth –
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
“In recent years, there have also been increases in the rate among young adults, with females under 25 reaching the highest rate on record for their age group.
“Looking at the overall trend since the early 80s, we are still witnessing a gradual decline in the rate of suicide for the population as a whole.
“We will continue to monitor the recent increase, to help inform decision makers and others that are working to protect vulnerable people at risk.”
Urgent health issue
Campaigners have warned that the rise in suicide rates is an “urgent public health issue”.
Samaritans boss Ruth Sutherland said: “Every single one of these deaths is a tragedy that devastates families, friends and communities.
“Whilst the overall rise has only been seen this year, and we hope it is not the start of a longer-term trend, it’s crucial to have a better understanding of why there has been such an increase.
Suicide is not inevitable, it is preventable and encouraging steps have been made but we need to look at suicide as a serious public health issue Ruth SutherlandSamaritans
“We know that suicide is not inevitable, it is preventable and encouraging steps have been made to prevent suicide, but we need to look at suicide as a serious public health issue.”
She added that the rising rate of suicide among young people is a “particular concern” and more needs to be done to ensure this generation doesn’t carry a higher risk of suicide throughout their lives.
“A major concern for Samaritans is the increase in self-harm among young people over the last 15 years, particularly in young women,” she said.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
“Self-harm is a strong risk factor for future suicide among young people.
“Research is urgently needed to understand this increase in self-harm so that effective support services and preventive measures can be developed.
“Self-harm must also be prioritised by governments and plans should equip young people with effective, healthy coping mechanisms and promote help-seeking by reducing #stigma around self-harm.”
Children and young people’s mental health charity YoungMinds says an “urgent” new government strategy is needed.
Tom Madders, campaigns director at the charity, said: “We urgently need a new government strategy which looks at the factors that are fuelling the crisis in young people’s mental health and which ensures that anyone who’s struggling to cope can get early support.”
He added: “The reasons why young people feel suicidal are often complex, but we know that traumatic experiences at a young age – like bereavement, bullying or abuse – can have a huge impact on mental health.
Traumatic experiences at a young age – like bereavement, bullying or abuse – can have a huge impact on mental health. Tom MaddersYoungMinds
“School pressure, concerns about how you look and difficult relationships with family or friends can also have a significant effect.
“We’re seeing some much-needed investment in NHS #mentalhealthservices – but we need much more action to ensure young people can get early help, long before they reach crisis point.”
In response, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the local government association’s community wellbeing board, said: “Suicide prevention is a public health priority for local government and every council has a #suicide prevention plan in place.
“Councils are already working closely with schools, railway operators, businesses, hospitals and the police to prevent #suicide and help those affected by it.”
Campaigners are also calling better support for men’s health after the figures also revealed that three in four #suicides last year were #males.
Brendan Maher, Global Director for #MentalHealthandSuicidePrevention at Movember, said: “The significant rise in the number of #men taking their own lives is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time.
“#Males continue to account for three in four #suicides, with the highest rates recorded among those aged 45 to 49.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
