Suicide in the general population

On this page:

• Number of suicides in the general population and by mental health patients, by UK country
• General population suicide rates in the UK and Jersey
• Suicide rates in the general population by age-group, by UK country (2012-2022)

Between 2012 and 2022, NCISH was notified of 70,590 deaths in the general population in the UK and Jersey that were registered as suicide or “undetermined”, an average of 6,417 deaths per year. These are referred to as suicides throughout the report.

Number of suicides in the general population and by mental health patients, by UK country

There were:

• 2,424 suicide deaths in Northern Ireland, 735 (30%) were by patients;
• 4,008 suicide deaths in Wales, 916 (23%) were by patients;
• 8,343 suicide deaths in Scotland, 2,510 (30%) were by patients;
• 55,705 suicide deaths in England, 14,464 (26%) were by patients

Additionally, there were 110 suicide deaths in Jersey; 45 (41%) were by patients.

In England and Wales there were higher rates of suicide deaths in 2017 and 2018 following the lowering of the standard of proof used by coroners introduced in 2018, and then a plateau. However, figures in 2022 are expected to rise once late inquests are added.

In Scotland there were higher rates from 2018 compared to those in 2014-2017. Northern Ireland rates were lower from 2015 which reflect a change in how some deaths are classified (see details of the review of suicide statistics in Northern Ireland (PDF – NISRA)). In Jersey the rates fluctuated, being based on small numbers.

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General population suicide rates in the UK and Jersey

There was some variation in the peak age by UK country, but overall the pattern was equivalent, with highest suicide rates in middle-aged groups, especially 40-44 and 45-49 year age groups.

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Suicide rates in the general population by age-group, by UK country (2012-2022)

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