Suicide prevention action plan 2026 - 2029: equality impact assessment

Key Findings

While there are no specific groups that are only affected by suicide, we know and this EQIA confirms that there are some groups that have an elevated risk of suicide in comparison to the population as a whole.

Sex

In 2024 there were 704^[1] probably suicides in Scotland and that almost 75% of suicides were men; 2.9 times the rate for females in 2024. Rates have been consistently higher for males since the series began, ranging from 2.6 to 3.6 times as high compared to females. However, it is worth noting that evidence suggests that more women attempt suicide than men but that men tend to choose more lethal methods of suicide^[2].

We know that those experiencing deprivation are more likely to die by suicide. In 2024 those in the highest SIMD groups were 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those in the lead deprived. This is a consideration for men as some evidence suggests that men 25-49 are less likely to engage with voluntary employment support.

Creating Hope together is focused on tackling the social determinants that are drivers of suicide, and we know that men are more likely to experience some of these including homelessness and make up the highest proportion of homeless deaths.

Age

In 2024 the age specific rates of probable suicide were highest for those aged between 25-and 64; twice as higher in comparison to those over 75 or under 25¹. Analysis over 2020-2024 shows that for men the highest rates were found in those 35-44 and women 45-54^[3].

While those in midlife have the highest rates of suicide, a recent report on ChildLine counselling sessions highlights that since 2019/2020 suicidal thoughts and feelings has been their second highest recorded topic^[4].

We also know that young people are more likely to be impacted by self-harm and we are working closely with those involved in delivering Scotland’s self-harm strategy and with member of the Child and Family Mental Health Joint Strategic Board.

The rate of suicides in age 65-74 had been increasing each year between 2018 and 2022, however, it has decreased for the past 2 years (down to 9.5 per 100,000 from 15.2 in 2022). Our Academic Advisory Group summarised some existing research and factors impacting on older suicide included mental health diagnosis, poor physical health, chronic illness, marital issues, perceived burdensomeness, social isolation, ageism and bereavement.

Disability

Data^[5] from the Office of National Statistics shows that disabled people are more likely to die by suicide than non-disabled people and Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) found that 55% of people surveyed had expressed suicidal feelings in the past two years^[6].

GDA also found that 45% of respondents expressed fearfulness of statutory mental health services and the resulting stigma from accessing services. A recent GDA survey^[7] found that 89% of people surveyed were worried about their mental health.

Research highlights that neurodivergent individuals experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours compared to the general population with some estimates showing autistic individuals experiencing suicidal ideation as 3 times high^[8].

Traditional resources and talking therapies may also not meet the needs of neurodivergent populations. However, there has been some recent work to adapt safety planning resources for autistic individuals.

Pregnancy and Maternity

Research shows that pregnant women are more likely than the general population to endorse suicidal ideation and a review from the USA found that suicide is leading cause of death in the perinatal period^[9]

Interviews by Kings College London identified 3 key themes that contributed to perinatal suicide attempts in the women interviewed. These were:

• Trauma and adversities
• Disillusionment with motherhood
• Entrapment and despair