Appleby et al, 2021

This study using data from established systems of real-time surveillance (RTS) of suspected suicides in England during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed no rise in suicide rates in the months after the first national lockdown began in 2020.

Suicide rates were not raised during the 2-month lockdown period (April-May 2020) or in the period following (June-October 2020). Comparison of suicide rates for the same months (April-October) in 2019 in selected areas did not indicate any rise either.

It is possible that lockdown may have brought a greater sense of cohesion and greater social support. However, these are early figures and may change, and it is too early to evaluate the longer-term consequences of the pandemic on suicide risk and rates.

Read the full paper:

• Suicide in England in the COVID-19 pandemic: Early observational data from real-time surveillance (Lancet)

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