Samaritans Scotland has responded to today’s release of data from National Records of Scotland in its annual update on suicide statistics for 2024
Key Points
- 704 probable deaths by suicide in 2024, a decrease of 86 from the previous year.
- The overall suicide rate was 12.7 per 100,000. This is a decrease from 14.6 of the previous year.
- The number of probable suicide deaths in Scotland fell in the most recent year to the lowest number since 2017.
- The rate of probable suicide mortality in the most deprived areas in Scotland was 2.5 times as high as in the least deprived areas in Scotland.
- The gap between rates of probable suicide mortality between the most and least deprived areas has decreased since 2001, driven by lower rates in the most deprived areas.
- 21 council areas in Scotland have seen a decrease in probable suicides in 2024 compared to 2023.
- The rate of probable suicide mortality in males was 2.9 times the rate for females in 2024. Rates have been consistently higher for males since the series began.
- Male suicides decreased by 71 to 518 in 2024, representing a 12% decrease, while female suicides decreased by 15 to 186, representing a 7% decrease.
- Since 2000, the average age at death for probable suicide deaths has generally increased, from 41.9 years in 2000 to 47.5 years in 2024. This is slightly younger than 48.2 in 2022, which represented the oldest average age at death since 1980.
Our Response
Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all 704 people who died by suicide in 2024.
“The data released today by the National Records of Scotland has shown that there has been an 11% reduction in the number of probable suicides in Scotland over 2024.
“Whilst it is encouraging that this year’s data shows a reduction in deaths by suicide, our message today is that suicide is preventable. At this moment, there are still too many people living without hope for the future.
“At Samaritans, we know that suicide is complex and rarely caused by one factor alone. Most often, there are multiple reasons why someone feels like they have no choice but to end their life.
“The statistics released today underline the importance of continued suicide prevention work, and the necessity of prevention at the heart of Government policy across portfolios.
“As a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland, we have been working closely with the Scottish Government, COSLA, and other dedicated partners to deliver Creating Hope Together, Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan covering the period from 2022 to 2025.
“Our work as a Strategic Outcome Lead involves supporting a whole of government and whole of society approach to suicide prevention, including making our environment safer, supporting communities at higher risk of suicide, and promoting responsible media reporting.
“It is vital that suicide prevention continues to be fully supported and funded as we work towards fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland, at the same time as tackling the issues and inequalities that contribute to people feeling like they have no other option but to take their own life.
“Families, friends, and communities are grieving the loss of 704 people, and this may be especially hard for them today. We keep those lost to suicide and everyone impacted by their loss in our minds as we continue our essential work to ensure fewer people die by suicide in Scotland.
“Samaritans volunteers are available to anyone in emotional distress, 24-7, 365-days-a-year – just call 116 123.”
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s analysis of the data can be found here.
We encourage anyone discussing or reporting on this data to remind people that suicide is preventable, encourage help-seeking, and include sources of support, such as Samaritans. Whatever you’re going through, you can call Samaritans free any time on 116 123 or email: [email protected]