Suicide rates – a Public Health issue

On the 18^th February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published a report on suicide rates in the UK for 2012. The report highlighted that although the overall rates for people committing suicide had dropped since 1981, they had actually risen over the last five years. The report also identified the growing concern of high suicide rates for men compared with women for the same period.

The ONS Key Findings

• In 2012, there were 5,981 suicides in people aged 15 and over in the UK – of which 4,590 were males and 1,391 were females 
• In 1981 there 6,595 recorded suicide rates of which 4,129 were male and 2,466 were female
• The highest suicide rate was among men aged between 40 and 44 (25.0 deaths per 100,000 population) and the lowest rate was among men aged 15 to 19 at 6.4 deaths per 100,000 population
• In 2012 in England, the suicide rate was highest in the North West at 12.4 deaths per 100,000 population and lowest in London at 8.7 per 100,000 population

In 2012, the male suicide rate was more than three times the rate for females

The difference between men and women, socio-economic affects

The high suicide rate is undoubtedly a huge cause for concern despite the fact they have fallen over the past thirty years. However, it is the disparity between the rates of men and women that needs to be considered. With males three times more likely to commit suicide than their female counterparts, one needs to question why?

A recent report published by the Samaritans “Men, Suicide and Society” suggested that social and cultural changes, (rising female employment, increases in solo living), could be having significant impacts on the lives of men who are now in mid-life. In addition, the report made clear that men from low socio-economic backgrounds are also particularly at risk of committing suicide. This may be attributed to the arguments that people who live in disadvantaged communities, may have fewer prospects, less support networks leading to feelings of isolation, are more likely to be unemployed – augmenting feelings of low self worth and feeling they have nothing to live for. As a result they are more likely to engage in high health risk behaviour (smoke, drink, take drugs) as a form of escapism/way to deal with their stress.  

Nonetheless, women and young people are not immune to these problems described above. The evidence clearly states that people who live is in poorer communities, are more likely to experience greater physical and mental health problems, are more likely to do less exercise and have poorer diets – both of which have been indentified as improving ones overall wellbeing.   

 As with men, suicide is the leading cause of death among women aged between 20 and 34 years of age

The ONS report states that that people with mental illness have a higher suicide risk than the general population. Therefore, we need to help improve, protect and support people who are at risk of developing mental problems, as  well as targeting the younger population to build mental resilience. 

What is to be done?

In September 2012 the Department of Health launched ‘Preventing Suicide in England’ which sought to reduce suicide rates and improve those affected by suicide. The new strategy outlines six areas for action including: reducing the risk of suicide in key high-risk groups (for example, people in the care of mental health services, people with a history of self-harm, people in contact with the criminal justice system, and men aged under 50) and reducing access to the means of suicide.

It is also essential that the government looks deeply at the root causes that can lead to poor mental health, such as, economic deprivation, isolation, community disengagement, as well as supporting individuals and communities to partake in activities that are recognised as improving mental wellbeing – this could help reduce suicide rates. 

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is passionate about supporting the public's health and advocates that increased health awareness, community engagement and training individuals can help eliminate many of the problems highlighted throughout this Blog. A clear example is our Well London Training Communities programme, information can be found here and here, which aims to equip volunteers living in hard to reach communities to increase wellbeing knowledge, confidence and skills to bring about positive lifestyle changes.

The RSPH has also developed a Level 2 Award in Mental Wellbeing qualification, which aims to provide evidence based, practical skills on how to improve and maintain good mental wellbeing. When we are positive and happier, we are more likely to feel we can tackle everyday issues and face what life throws at us.

For information on this training please contact Gina Mohajer gmohajer@rsph.org.uk.       

Suicide is the leading cause of death in England and Wales for men aged between 20 and 49 years

Support for people who have suicidal thoughts

The NHS Health Choices website provides helpful information for people who are considering taking their lives. If you have thoughts about taking your own life, it's important you ask someone for help.

·         speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust as they may be able to help you calm down and find some breathing space

·         call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 08457 90 90 90

·         go to, or call, your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling

·         contact NHS 111

·         make an urgent appointment to see your GP

Visit the NHS Health Choices website here

Mental Health Warning for Jobless Young

Yesterday news items reported that more than three quarters of a million young people believe they have nothing to live for, with jobless youngsters facing “devastating” symptoms of mental illness, warns a new report.

The Prince's Trust Macquarie Youth Index, reveals that long-term unemployed young people are more than twice as likely as their peers to have been prescribed anti-depressants. One in three (32 per cent) have contemplated suicide, while one in four (24 per cent) have self harmed.

The report which was based on interviews with 2,161 16 to 25 year olds highlights that 40 per cent of jobless young people have faced these symptoms of mental illness – including suicidal thoughts, feelings of self-loathing and panic attacks – as a direct result of unemployment.

Long-term unemployed young people are also more than twice as likely as their peers to believe they have nothing to live for. The Youth Index 2014 full report is downloadable here.

The Prince’s Trust is now calling for urgent support from government, health agencies and employers to fund its vital work with long-term unemployed young people battling mental health issues. With more support, the youth charity can help more young people build their self-esteem and move into work.

Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of youth charity The Prince’s Trust, said:

“Unemployment is proven to cause devastating, long-lasting mental health problems among young people. Thousands wake up every day believing that life isn’t worth living, after struggling for years in the dole queue.

“More than 430,000 young people are facing long-term unemployment, and it is these young people that urgently need our help. If we fail to act, there is a real danger that these young people will become hopeless, as well as jobless.”

The charity's sixth annual Youth Index, which gauges young people’s wellbeing across a range of areas from family life to physical health, highlights that unemployed young people are significantly less likely to ask for help if they are struggling to cope. Three quarters of long-term unemployed young people (72 per cent) do not have someone to confide in.

Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, said:

“This research proves that unemployment is a public health issue. It is one that must be tackled urgently and it is essential that youth unemployment is added to the public health agenda. Unemployed young people are struggling in many aspects of their lives, from their mental health and wellbeing to their relationships and their qualifications and we must act quickly to end this.”

In response to these findings, The Prince's Trust is increasing support for the UK's most vulnerable young people through its Get Started programme which aims to inspire and motivate the long-term unemployed.

This year, The Prince’s Trust will support 58,000 disadvantaged young people, helping them turn their lives around. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.

For more information about The Prince’s Trust visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/youthindex or follow The Trust on Facebook or Twitter www.facebook.com/princes-trust / www.twitter.com/princestrust

For more information please contact:

Sophie Rawlings on 020 7543 1284 / 07766 144488 or at sophie.rawlings@princes-trust.org.uk
Annabel Douthwaite on 020 7543 1318 / 07841 877181 or atannabel.douthwaite@princes-trust.org.uk

The Vicious Cycle Between Poor Mental Health and Unemployment

A recent report by the BBC titled “mentally ill people hit hard by recession” argued that between 2006 and 2010 unemployment rates for people with mental health problems rose significantly.

The news item was reporting on a research study which sought to discover whether people with mental ill health are more likely to be discriminated against both in the job market and in society.  

The study which was carried out by researchers from King’s College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, looked at data on the rates of employment and mental health problems from 27 EU countries.

The researchers focused on data derived from 2006 (prior to the 2008 economic crisis) and 2010. From both years, a consistent pattern emerged that people with mental health problems were more likely to be unemployed. Interestingly however, the study found that by 2010 the gap in unemployment rates between people with and without mental health problems had increased.

The researchers proposed that people with a mental health condition suffered more by the economic recession of 2008, and will have been more vulnerable to discrimination and unemployment. Download the published report in the peer-reviewed open access medical journal PLOS One.

Taking a deeper look

The researchers used data from two surveys: The Eurobarometer Mental Wellbeing 2006 and the Eurobarometer Mental Health 2010 survey. 30,000 citizens from 27 EU countries took part in the survey and information was collected through face to face interview.

From the 2006 and 2010 surveys it was found that compared with the general population people with mental health problems were:

1.     More likely to be female

2.     Significantly older

3.     More likely to have finished education before 20 years of age or had no formal education

4.     More likely to be unemployed/retired and unable to work

5.     Less likely to be in paid employment

The study also revealed that although females were more likely to have a mental health problem, males were more likely than females to be unemployed. In 2010 22% of men with mental health problems were unemployed compared with 14% in 2006. For women these were 17% and 12% respectively.

Interestingly, the researchers also found that in 2010 (but not in 2006) people with mental health problems were more likely to be unemployed if they lived in countries where the majority of people agreed with the statement “people with mental health problems are a danger to others”.

The (vicious) cycle

People with mental health problems are less likely to be in employment. This can however perpetuate their condition by causing them to become further isolated and anxious about their financial circumstance.

During periods of economic hardship, this may become more apparent as people with mental health problems may be more susceptible to losing their job and are unable to find a new one in a competitive labour market.

Beth Murphy, head of information at mental health charity Mind, said the findings were worrying “Losing your job is a sudden change and there can also be financial implications through loss of income, which in itself can cause anxiety”

“Specifically redundancy is known to trigger depression and suicidal thoughts”.

Conclusion:

Undeniably, the research paints a very bleak picture of the reality of people who have poor mental health. Not only do they have to live with and tackle their own mental health condition, but their problems are further heightened by the fact that they are more likely to loose their job or be unemployed.

What we have to remember is that no one is exempt from experiencing a mental health problem - it can happen to anyone of us. Statistics reveal that at least one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life, therefore, it is essential that a) society does not stigmatise/discriminate against people with mental health conditions and b) that we learn techniques on how to protect ourselves and improve our mental health and wellbeing. 

It is imperative that Governments, Local Authorities and communities ensure that they promote social participation of individuals with mental health problems (particularly during recessions) and that efforts are made to target the most vulnerable people in society. Evidence reveals that participation in meaningful activity is associated with improved self esteem and good mental health. Having strong social relationships/networks can reduce isolation and help to improve mental health and recovery as well as preventing mental health problems.

We know that improved mental health and wellbeing is associated with a range of better outcomes, from physical health to higher education achievement. Thus in a strategic attempt to improve the whole population’s mental health and wellbeing the Five Ways to Wellbeing has been developed by nef (new economics foundation) which is a set of evidence based public health messages that can be utilised by everyone.

For more information on how you can get trained to improve and protect your mental health and the community you serve click here.

Let us know what simple things you do to help improve your mental health and wellbeing?