Male suicide at lowest level since records began as more seek help

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry led a campaign to reduce the stigma around mental health
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry led a campaign to reduce the stigma around mental health
NICKY J SIMS/GETTY IMAGES

The rate of male suicide has fallen to its lowest since records began, with experts saying that a greater focus on men’s mental health was encouraging them to seek help.

There were 4,382 suicides by men last year, a rate of 15.5 deaths per 100,000, a report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

This was down from 16 per 100,000 last year and the lowest since the ONS began recording the rate in 1981.

Among women the rate was 4.9 per 100,000, broadly consistent with the pattern over the past decade.

Among the prominent mental health campaigns in recent years is Heads Together, led by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex.

Launched in April last year, it brought