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Caithness News Bulletins August 2005

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Suicide Figures Published
The latest figures on deaths classified as suicide ("intentional self-harm") have been published by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS). They show that the Highland figures (at 39 such deaths) are back to the levels they were in 2000.

Choose Life Co-ordinator for the Highlands, Michael Perera, commented: " The numbers in Highland are small but it is an important public health problem and each one of these deaths is a tragedy. In around three-quarters of these cases, they have had no contact with health or social work at the time of their deaths. That is why we have been trying to raise awareness of the issue and of the warning signs. We have provided training to over 500 people across the Highlands to help them recognise the signs in people who may be thinking of taking their own lives. The people at risk are our neighbours, our family members, and our friends. In order to have a suicide safer community in Highland we need more people who are able to recognise the warning signs in others and to encourage them to seek help. Just as importantly, when individuals are experiencing suicidal thoughts, they need to feel able to seek help."

He added: "I would say to people who are experiencing distress at present � help and support is available. GPs and community health staff are very used to talking about this. Anyone who does not wish to contact their GP at first can speak to confidential helplines if they prefer. Breathing Space and the Samaritans are both excellent."

Breathing Space is available from 6pm to 2am daily on 0800 83 85 87

Samaritans are available on 08457 90 90 90

Facts and Figures on suicide in Scotland
There were 606 deaths classified as suicide ("intentional self-harm") in Scotland in 2004, 46 more than in 2003. There were 39 deaths (30 male and 9 female) classified as suicide ("intentional self-harm") in Highland in 2004. The deaths classified as suicide ("intentional self-harm") for the last five years are as follows:

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Highland Total

39

31

23

28

39

Scotland total

648

609

636

560

606

 
Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Males - Highland

36

27

17

20

30

Males - Scotland

512

441

481

413

448

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Females - Highland

3

4

6

8

9

Females - Scotland

136

168

155

147

158

Over the last 30 years, there has been an average of around 30 deaths in the Highlands each year classified as suicide.

Rates in women in the Highland Council area are not higher than average, but male rates are higher than average. Over a twenty-year period, 10% of male suicide deaths in Highland were in men who did not live in Scotland, which increases the apparent Highland rate. These deaths are included in the published Highland figures.

Risk factors
Overall suicide rates are associated with poverty levels. Young men in the most deprived areas of Scotland have more than double the rate of young men in the most affluent areas.

Most people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death. The commonest illness is depression. Many people have not sought any treatment for their illness before their death. This may be because of fears about stigma, or because they do not recognise that their distress could be helped.

People with alcohol and drug problems are more likely to die by suicide.

In each case, risk factors are common, but suicide is uncommon. Other factors, including self-esteem and available social support, are important.

Response to Suicide
There is a national strategy to reduce the number of people who die by suicide, called �Choose Life�. A national team at the Scottish Executive support this work.

Work in Highland includes:

  • Support for work in schools on self-harm and mental ill-health (including an anti-stigma play organised by Highland Users� Group which visits Highland schools)
  • Training on recognition of risk through the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) programme. There are 12 ASIST trainers in Highland, who have now trained approximately 300 people. This two-day course, aimed at non-specialists and voluntary groups, is now available across Scotland.
  • Specialist Training On Risk Management (STORM), intended to increase the skills of primary care, social work and mental health staff. Highland has 6 people trained as STORM trainers, and Approximately 200 people have attended STORM courses.
  • Financial Support for the two Highland Council area Samaritans Groups to allow them to recruit more staff, provide talks to community groups, and offer e-mail access
  • Financial Support for CRUSE, who offer post-bereavement assistance
  • Financial support for a total of 12 other initiatives across Highland