Title: Suicide | Mental Health Foundation
Headings: Suicide
Suicide
Thousands of people in the UK end their lives by suicide each year.
Date last updated: 11 September 2019
Risk factors
Societal
Community
Relationships
Individual
Protective factors
Societal
Community
Relationships
Individual
Suicide, mental health and self-harm
Suicide prevention
Help and support
Further information and resources
References

Content: Overall, men accounted for three-quarters of UK deaths by suicide in 2018. 2
Suicide and suicide attempts can have lasting effects on individuals and their social networks and communities. The causes of suicide are many, and it is important to understand the psychological processes that underlie suicidal thoughts, and the factors that can lead to feelings of hopelessness or despair. 3
In recognition of this, the 2019 theme for World Mental Health Day (as set by the World Federation for Mental Health) is “Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention”. Risk factors
Suicide behaviours are complex, there is no single explanation of why people die by suicide. Social, psychological, and cultural factors can all interact to lead a person to suicidal thoughts or behaviour. For many people, an attempt may occur after a long period of suicidal thoughts or feelings, while in other cases, it may be more impulsive. Several risk factors commonly act together to increase vulnerability to suicidal behaviour. The World Health Organisation has classified these into the different groups below: 1
Societal
difficulties accessing or receiving care
access to means of suicide
inappropriate media reporting
stigma associated with mental health, substance abuse or suicidal behaviour which prevents people from seeking help
Community
poverty
experiences of trauma or abuse
experiences of disaster, war, or conflict
experiences of discrimination
Relationships
isolation and lack of social support
relationship breakdown
loss or conflict
Individual
previous suicide attempts
self-harm behaviours
mental ill-health
drug and alcohol misuse
financial loss
chronic pain
family history of suicide
Protective factors
Protective factors are those that can help to reduce vulnerability to suicidal behaviour.