Suicide rates for north men lowest in five years

Suicide rates among men in the Highlands have fallen to their lowest level in five years, with 22 taking their own life.

Health professionals have welcomed statistics which show a 26% decrease in male suicide rates – but warn that it is still in the highest 20% of rates for Scottish local authority areas.

The figures come in the wake of a man and a woman being found dead in a car at Kilmonivaig, near Spean Bridge, early on Thursday as the result of an apparent suicide pact.

Latest figures reveal there were 25 deaths in 2005, 36 in 2006, 28 in 2007 and the following year, and 22 in 2009. Numbers include deaths classified as suicide, and deaths of people from outwith the region and where the person’s intent was uncertain.

Public health consultant Dr Cameron Stark said yesterday: “The decrease in the number of people dying by suicide is very welcome.

“Despite this, the Highland Council area rate is still in the highest 20% of rates for Scottish local authority areas and this is a reminder of the importance of continuing our partnership work on suicide prevention.”

The inter-agency group comprising NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary, Scottish Prison Service, Highland Council, Highland Users Group, the Samaritans and other voluntary sector organisations is striving to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.

Choose Life co-ordinator Keith Walker said: “Our training programme includes courses on suicide awareness, intervention skills and risk management which are delivered to health and social work professionals, voluntary sector organisations and members of the public.”

Projects supported by the Choose Life initiative in the Highlands includes provision of support services, training and the raising of awareness among young adults who are vulnerable to depression, through Depression Alliance Scotland

Mental health recovery action is also available through NHS Highland working in partnership with Highland Users Group, and counselling and peer support in Wester-Ross, Badenoch and Strathspey, the Black Isle and Caithness.

Experts urge people thinking about suicide to talk to someone they know or to call one of the helplines: Samaritans 08457 90 90 90; NHS 24 08454 24 24 24, and Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87.