Nearly 5000 suicides registered in England in 2020

Delays to Coroner's services mean we still can't see the full impact of the pandemic on suicide rates.

Author: Mick CoylePublished 26th Apr 2021
Last updated 26th Apr 2021

4902 suicides were registered in England in 2020.

The stats have been released by the Office for National Statistics, and cover the number of suicides registered between January and December.

The figures show a reduction in the number of suicides in England compared to 2019: 10.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2019 compared to 9.9 deaths per 100,000 last year.

The ONS says this reduction "most likely reflects the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the coroner's service in England and Wales; for example, delays to inquests caused by the service adapting to social distancing measures."

Did coronavirus cause a spike in suicides?

Suicides can take months or sometimes years to pass through the coroner's courts. It's too early to tell what the true picture is when it comes to linking the pandemic to suicides.

The first few months of lockdown in 2020 actually saw near 20-year low of suicides registered, but it's suggested that's because Coroners were impacted by lockdown in the same way other organisations were at the start of the pandemic, eg introducing social distancing etc.

The amount of time it takes to officially declare a suicide rose in nearly all parts of England.

By the end of last year, registrations in the East Midlands were taking an average of 254 days. This means it will be some months before the wider impact of the pandemic is established.

The report also suggests the second half of the year saw figures for England largely in line with pre-pandemic levels of suicide.

Find support if you're feeling suicidal

If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 without delay.

If you would like to talk to someone about a crisis you're experiencing, call Samaritans on 116 123.

If you would like to use a text service instead, text SHOUT to 85258

Or find mental health services closer to you via the Hub of Hope.

You can also speak to your GP.

Don't suffer alone.

Visit Every Mind Matters for advice about mental health, and what to do if you're experiencing a period of negative mental health.

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