It is estimated that at least 140,000 people attempt suicide each year in England and Wales alone.[60] One in five people who attempt suicide will try again, of whom 10 per cent will succeed.[61]

'Attempted suicide', 'parasuicide' and 'deliberate self-harm' are terms which can be used to describe non-fatal acts of self-harm. People who attempt suicide can have differing degrees in their wish to die, and different suicidal acts can involve different degrees of risk to life.

Repetitions of suicide attempts are common, with approximately 20 per cent of people being re-admitted to hospital within a year of a previous attempt. Those who have attempted suicide are at a greater risk of eventually dying by suicide, and the number of repeat attempts made increases the likelihood of eventually dying by suicide.

Common factors associated with attempted suicide are single marital status (including divorced/widowed), unemployment, social deprivation, history of physical or sexual abuse, substance abuse and social isolation.

People usually attempt suicide to block unbearable emotional pain, which is caused by a wide variety of problems. It is often a cry for help. A person attempting suicide is often so distressed that they are unable see that they have other options and better choices they could make. Suicidal people often feel terribly isolated, and because of their distress, they may not be able to think of anyone they can turn to, which can further their feelings of isolation. Many suicidal people give warning signs in the hope that they will be rescued, because for many, they are intent on stopping their emotional pain, not on dying.

Prediction of suicide risk

A history of past suicide attempts is the most accurate predictor of future risk of suicide. It has been estimated that, between 10-15 per cent of people in contact with healthcare services as a result of their first suicide attempt, do eventually die by suicide,[62] the risk being highest during the first year after an attempt. Thus, for the purposes of suicide prevention, an individual's history of suicidal behaviour is a major help in identifying subjects with particularly high risk of suicide in the future.[63]

There are a number of possible indicators that someone may be at risk of suicide. These include: recent bereavement or other loss; the recent break-up of a close relationship; a major disappointment such as failed exams or a missed job promotion; a change in circumstances such as retirement, redundancy, or children leaving home; or experiencing a physical or mental illness.

People may be at particular risk if they have made a previous suicide attempt, if there is a history of suicide in their family, or if they have begun tidying up their affairs, for example, by making a will or taking out insurance.

Other signs to look out for may be a change in behaviour. This might include the person appearing withdrawn or low-spirited, finding it difficult to relate to others, taking less care of themselves or their physical appearance. They may appear more irritable, tearful, or be trying hard not to cry. They may even appear unusually cheerful. They may find it hard to concentrate, appear less energetic or particularly tired, or eat less (or more) than usual.

People at risk might talk about suicide, express a sense of hopelessness towards the future or see no point in life. They may express feelings of being worthless or a failure; of feeling isolated and alone; of sleeping badly - especially waking early.

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