To reduce suicides, we need to reach people | Letters

The sharp rise in the number of people dying by suicide is extremely worrying and action is needed to address it (Suicide rates in England and Wales reach highest level since 1999, 29 August).

There has been a global decline in mental health over the past few decades, as evidenced by the Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Young People’s Mental Health. Many people are affected by societal challenges in the areas of economy, environment, social isolation and social media. Worryingly, a significant number of people who commit suicide have never been in contact with mental health services. More needs to be done to encourage people to come forward and ensure they receive the best possible care.

All healthcare professionals must be alert to the level of risk their patients face and coordinate appropriate care. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) continues to work with NHS England and NHS Wales to improve national safety assessment guidelines. National suicide prevention strategies must also be adequately resourced if they are to make a lasting difference. We must work together to address societal change, provide timely and compassionate care and save lives.
Dr. Jeya Balakrishna
Chairman of the Patient Safety Group, RCPsych

Why are we surprised that the suicide rate is at its highest since 1999, when the societal message is getting louder that you are worthless if you don’t have a job and don’t contribute financially to society? Men aged 45 to 64 have the highest suicide rate (22.4 per 100,000This is the time when men retire, get laid off, become ill or disabled – challenging their sense of self-worth and identity as defined by being economically viable and having a job.

We need a strategy for men that places equal value on helping others, volunteering, continuing education, caring for grandchildren and the benefits of experience as we do on a Logan’s run world where men feel that everyone would be better off without them as they get older.
Dr. Chris Allen
Chair, Men from Maidenhead in sheds