Suicide in Scotland

Suicides in Scotland - did you know?

• Scotland has a population of approximately 5 million
• In 2006, there were 765 suicides in Scotland*
• Since 2000-02, Scotland's suicide rate has fallen by 13%*
• Around 3 out of 4 suicides are by men*
• Suicide is the main cause of death in those under 35 years of age*
• The risk of suicide in the most deprived areas is almost double the Scottish average*
• Choose Life is the National Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Scotland. It was launched in 2002 and is intended to be a ten year strategy

*The above information was sourced from the Choose Life website.

A 13% reduction in suicides is good news but there is no room for complacency – we must all continue the work to reduce the suicide rate.

Websites and points of contact

Note: The links are provided as a convenience only and should not be taken as an endorsement of any website, content, product or service. Visits to linked websites are at your own risk.

www.ageconcernscotland.org.uk: Age Concern Scotland is an independent, recognised charity working throughout Scotland to help make the lives of older people more secure, comfortable, dignified and enjoyable.

www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk: this website has a number of sections, some of which are 'Your Mood', 'Your Problems', 'Self-help Toolkit' and a section if you are concerned about someone. There is also a free, confidential number to call for those that are feeling down or stressed. There is a very extensive 'Links' section that contains details of many organisations.

www.chooselife.net: a national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide in Scotland. The website contains information about suicide, for those that are suicidal and for those bereaved by suicide. There is an extensive 'Links' section that covers a number of areas relevant to mental health.

www.chooselifehighland.co.uk: the site contains online activities intended to be helpful, points of contact so that you can find someone to talk to in confidence and information to help you and / or your family and friends cope with crisis.

www.crusescotland.org.uk: Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland is a registered charity which offers free bereavement care and support to people who have experienced the loss of someone close.

www.dascot.org: Depression Alliance Scotland is the national charity for people with depression in Scotland.

www.headsupscotland.com: Heads Up Scotland is a national project for children and young people’s mental health. This site contains a links section which provides access to other sites of relevance to young people.

www.lifelink.org.uk: LifeLink provides free support and advice to people in crisis, who self harm and are at risk of suicide in the North Glasgow area.

www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk: a self help NHS website offering advice to carers, professionals and people experiencing mental illness and/or in crisis.

www.samh.org.uk: the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) provides local community support services offering practical and emotional support, social activities, advice on employment and education and help with personal care and health issues.

www.s-a-g.co.uk: Inverness Suicide Awareness Group was established in 2004 after a small number of individuals got together to share their experiences of losing a loved one to suicide.

www.wellscotland.info: mental health information site with priority areas, news and research information. It contains a section ‘Useful Contacts’ that provides details should you need immediate help and a Directory (A-Z) of organisations and agencies throughout Scotland.

Are you feeling suicidal but can't find the help you need on this page? Click here

Have you been bereaved by suicide but can't find the help you need on this page? Click here

Supporting suicide prevention in Scotland