DUMBARTON MSP Jackie Baillie has called for greater mental health support as new figures reveal suicides across Scotland were continuing to increase before the pandemic.

Public Health Scotland statistics reveal that in 2019, the number of probable suicides increased to 833, a year on year increase of 6.25 per cent.

Although the highest rate of deaths was in the 45-54 age bracket, the number of deaths due to suicide increased across all ages, with deaths amongst men almost three times higher than women.

In February, figures revealed that over 100 West Dunbartonshire residents took their own lives between 2011 and 2018, and it is understood that 60.8 per cent of those had no contact with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance service or out-of-hours GP services in the year before their deaths.

The Dumbarton MSP said: “Anyone can experience mental health problems, but no-one should have to live with such levels of distress that they consider ending their own life.

“These new figures are only for suicides prior to 2020. It shows that pre-Covid 19 – and the negative impact that it has had on mental health and wellbeing – people were already struggling.

“As a result of the pandemic, we are seeing unprecedented pressure on people dealing with loneliness and isolation so more must be done to highlight the support that is available.”

Mental Health minister Clare Haughey said: “Every one of these lives lost was a tragedy and my sympathies go out to those who have been bereaved by suicide.

“Suicide prevention continues to be an absolute priority and we are working with the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group to progress the range of actions outlined in our suicide prevention action plan: Every Life Matters.

“While these statistics do not reflect the period of the pandemic, we know that this is taking a significant toll on many people’s mental health, and we are doing all we can to support people at this difficult time.

“Our recently published Mental Health Transition and Recovery Plan sets out the wide range of actions we are taking to address those additional pressures on the population’s mental health, brought about by the pandemic.