According to researchers, the suicide rate among young men in England and Wales is at the lowest for 30 years. Lead researcher David Gunnell believes that favourable changes in several different factors, including the levels of unemployment, substance misuse and antidepressant prescribing may have contributed to the reductions. Another key factor, according to the research, has been the cut in toxins in vehicle exhaust fumes because of catalytic converters, which makes it harder for people to commit suicide.
However, Alison Cobb from Mind believes there’s still a lot of work to be done to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems and Marjorie Wallace from Sane, said: “we must fight to raise awareness of the complex triggers to suicide, and make available treatments such as talking therapies immediately when the warning signs are identified.”
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