One person in fifteen had made a suicide attempt at some point in their life. When a person is intoxicated, they are more likely to act on suicide thoughts or self- harm. Alcohol and substance misuse increases the risk in several ways. It acts as a mood amplifier, intensifying feelings of anxiety, depression or anger, and inhibits the use of more effective coping strategies.

STATISTICS (source 2020 - The Samaritans).

In the UK & Republic of Ireland, there were 6,859 suicides in 2018. In the UK, there were 6,507 suicides. In the Republic of Ireland, there were 352 suicides. Deaths by suicide rose by 10.9% in the UK in 2018. In the UK, men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women. In the Republic of Ireland, the rate is four times higher among men than women. In the UK, the highest suicide rate is among men aged 45-49. In the Republic of Ireland, the highest rate is among men aged 55-65. The rate of deaths among under 25s increased by 23.7%, reaching 730 deaths in 2018. Men aged 45-49 still have the highest rate of suicides. The suicide rate increased for this group in 2018. In Scotland, the suicide rate among young people aged 15-24 increased by 52.7%. This is the highest it has been since 2007. In the Republic of Ireland, suicide rates have continued to fall for both men and women. In recent years, rates have fluctuated more than in the UK but are currently at their lowest since 1989. 

How to assist in a suicidal crisis.

• Ensure your own personal safety.
• Don’t get involved physically if the person is distressed and threatening.
• Seek Immediate help. Phone their GP and ask for an emergency home visit, or call 999 if someone is threatening to jump.
• Take the person to hospital A&E or call Samaritans on 116 or 123 (24 Hours a day).
• If the person is consuming alcohol or drugs try to discourage them from taking any more.
• Try to ensure the person doesn’t have any access to some means to take their life.
• Encourage the person to talk.
• Don’t deny their feelings.
• Be polite and respectful.