Suicide and Social Decline

There has been a notable increase in the number of deaths by suicide in Great Britain over the past decade. In Scotland, the total was fully 50% higher in 1960 than in 1950 & the rate was higher among people in their 50s than at younger or later ages. Rates for deaths by suicide have been compared between industrial communities between 1952-1956. It was found that the rate for Sheffield was below & that for Burnley much above the national average, while the Leeds figure lay between. Social conditions & social changes may enhance proneness to die by suicide, especially among older people. (LC)