Increase in deaths by suicide

There were 792 probable suicide deaths in 2023, an increase of 30 on the previous year, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland.  

Male suicides increased by 34 to 590, while female suicides decreased by 4 to 202 deaths in the latest year. The rate of suicide in males was over three times as high as the rate for females.

The average age of death for suicides has increased overall, from 41.9 in the year 2000 to 46.6 in 2023.

Phillipa Haxton, Head of Vital Events Statistics, said:

“The rate of suicide mortality has been consistently higher for males, and over the last 30 years it has been around three times as high as the female rate.  

“There were 2.5 times more deaths by suicide in the most deprived areas of Scotland than in the least deprived areas.

“Remote small towns have had the highest suicide rates for most of the last decade, with the lowest rates being found in large urban areas.”

At a local level, statistically the rate was significantly higher than the Scottish average in Dundee City, Highland, and East Ayrshire council areas - similar to the previous year. 

Comparable suicide statistics for the rest of the UK for 2023 are yet to be released. However, based on 2022 data, Scotland had the highest rate of suicide deaths of all countries in the UK at 14.0 deaths per 100,000 people. This was followed by Wales with 12.5 deaths per 100,000, Northern Ireland with 12.3 deaths per 100,000, then England with 10.5 deaths per 100,000. 

Background

National Records of Scotland (NRS) is responsible for producing statistics on Scotland’s population. 

The publication Probable Suicides, 2023 is available on our website.

Guidelines issued by Samaritans on the reporting of suicide are available.

If you are struggling to cope, help is available.

NHS inform has a list of resources available to anyone, with many of these available 24 hours a day.

Samaritans can be called for free on 116 123 or contacted via email at [email protected] . Visit the Samaritans website for more information.

Media enquiries should be directed to:
    Donna Green
    NRS Communications
[email protected] 
07775-027-380

Further information about the statistics is available from:
    Statistics Customer Services
    [email protected] 
    0131-314-4229