As the world recognises World Suicide Prevention Day, data shows that suicides in Ipswich doubled last year, as England and Wales recorded their highest suicide rate in over two decades.
The big picture: Every year, the 10th of September is recognised as World Suicide Prevention Day, an event that draws global attention to this pressing issue.
By the numbers: New figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that 17 people died by suicide in Ipswich in 2023, up from 8 in 2022 and 12 in 2019 before the pandemic.
In Suffolk, 73 suicide deaths were registered in 2023, down slightly from 77 in 2022.
Ipswich's three-year rolling average (2021-2023) stands at 11.3 suicides per 100,000 people, below the national average but higher than Suffolk and up from previous years.
Suffolk's three-year rolling average is 10.8 suicides per 100,000 people.
Zooming out: Nationally, the number of suicides registered increased by 8% from 5,642 to 6,069, the equivalent of 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people, which was the highest rate seen since 1999.
Males account for about three-quarters of suicides nationally.
Speaking up: In a brave and candid post on LinkedIn, Ipswich resident, SEO consultant, mum, and mental health advocate Kara Thurkettle shared her own experience with postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis in the hope it might help others.
"In recent weeks, following a traumatic birth and subsequent events, I've faced severe postpartum depression that evolved into postpartum psychosis. This has led me to put myself and others at risk in moments of intense distress, with thoughts of ending my life.
"Thankfully, with the help of supportive people and timely interventions, I was rescued from these dark moments."
She added a message of hope: "If you're waking up today feeling overwhelmed or depressed, please know that things can improve. It may take time, but these feelings are not permanent. Remember, you are loved, you are needed, and you have a purpose."
What they're saying: The Samaritans described the figures as "shocking" and called for the issue to be treated as a "public health crisis".
Jacqui Morrissey from Samaritans said: "The autumn Budget is a chance for this Government to break its silence and commit to proper investment for suicide prevention with the same ambition that we have seen drive down smoking rates."
Phil Matthews, Trainer at The Mental Health Toolkit (the training arm of Suffolk Mind), said: “It is always concerning to learn of suicides taking place – particularly when there has been a rise in cases, as seen in Ipswich. Every suicide that happens is one too many.
“Recent years have certainly been turbulent, from the pandemic to an uncertain economy and beyond. These things all affect how well we meet our emotional and physical needs – which we all need to meet well to be in a state of good mental health.
“Suicide Prevention Day – like every day should be – is a time for us all to reach out to people within our community and loved ones and remind them that help is available should they be experiencing mental ill health."
The bottom line: If you're struggling, help is available. Contact Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. More information on your emotional and physical needs and how you can better meet them can be found at www.suffolkmind.org.uk.
