To reduce suicide rates, we need to reach people

The stark rise in the number of lives lost to suicide is extremely concerning and action is needed to address this (Suicide rates in England and Wales reach highest level since 1999, 29 August).

There has been a global decline in mental health in recent decades, as highlighted by the Lancet Psychiatry commission on youth mental health. Many people are affected by societal challenges in areas such as the economy, environment, social isolation and social media. Worryingly, a significant number of people who die by suicide have never been in contact with mental health services. More must be done to encourage people to come forward and to make sure they receive the best possible care.

All health staff should be alert to the level of risk in their patients and coordinate the appropriate care. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) continues to work with NHS England and NHS Wales to improve national guidance in safety assessments. National suicide prevention strategies should also be adequately resourced if they are to make a lasting difference. We need to act together to address societal changes, provide timely and compassionate care, and save lives.
Dr Jeya Balakrishna
Chair, patient safety group, RCPsych

• Why are we surprised that suicide levels are at their highest since 1999, when the societal message is increasingly that you are worthless if you do not have a job and are not contributing financially to society? Men aged 45 to 64 have the highest suicide rate (22.4 per 100,000). This is the time when men are starting to retire, being made redundant, becoming ill or incapacitated – challenging their sense of self-worth and identity if it is encapsulated by being economically viable and having a job.

We need a strategy for men that places equal value on helping others, voluntary work, continued learning, caring for grandchildren and the benefits of experience if we are going to avoid a Logan’s Run world, where men feel everyone would be better off without them once they age.
Dr Chris Allen
Chair, Maidenhead Men in Sheds

• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org