NCISH Annual Report 2026

In this blog, we highlight some of the key figures and clinical messages that are intended for clinicians, mental health services, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and Health Boards based on UK and Jersey patient data (2013-2023).

It’s important that we acknowledge that this publication is a reminder that behind every statistic is a real person with a unique story. Let’s approach this data with compassion and empathy, recognising the profound impact felt across families, friends, workplaces, communities, and support networks, and learn from those we’ve lost, and the many lives we may have saved, to continue to improve our self-harm and suicide prevention efforts.

Key findings and clinical messages

• There were 18,602 patients who died by suicide (i.e., people in contact with mental health services within 12 months of suicide) in the UK and Jersey in 2013-2023. This represents 26% of all suicide deaths, an average of 1,691 deaths per year.

• The number of patient suicides increased in 2018 following a change in the standard of proof for suicide at inquest, with lower figures since then. The rate of suicide among patients under mental health care, i.e., taking into account the total number of people in contact with mental health services, has fallen in England.

Acute mental health care settings

• There were 4,735 (27%) patients who died by suicide in acute mental health care settings; an average of 430 deaths per year.

• Of those who died in acute settings, 5% were inpatients, 13% in post-discharge care, and/or 14% under crisis resolution/home treatment teams (with overlap between the latter two groups).

• Indication of a rising proportion of deaths occurring on the ward. 

• Change in pattern of post-discharge deaths now occurring later in the week - in 2013-2016 the highest number were on days 3 (30, 24%) and 5 (22, 17%), and in 2020-2023 they were on days 4 (20, 21%) and 6 (19, 20%).

Clinical message: A renewed focus is needed on ward safety; early follow-up should anticipate any imminent deterioration.

Suicide under crisis care settings

• In 2013-2023, there were an estimated 2,465 suicides by patients receiving treatment in crisis care settings, including crisis resolution/home treatment and other crisis care services (e.g., crisis houses). 14% of all patient suicides, an average of 224 deaths per year, with no recent change. There were also 207 (6%) patients in 2019-2023 whose last contact was with liaison psychiatry services, an average of 41 deaths per year.

• Patients who died by suicide while under crisis care were older than other patients, with more aged 45-64 (45% v. 38%).

• Nearly a third (32%) were married, 29% were employed, and 44% lived alone.

Clinical message: Services should review the suitability of crisis care for patients who live alone, have recent onset depression, and self-harm.

Suicide by patients aged 75 and over

These findings show just how important it is that we deepen our understanding of self‑harm in later life. If you’re interested in learning more, we have developed a webinar in collaboration with the Derby site of the Multicentre Study of Self-harm: Self-harm in Older Adults – Insights from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm.

The session explores how self-harm presents in people aged 60 years and over, highlighting key demographic patterns, clinical characteristics, and the circumstances surrounding hospital presentations.

Clinical message: Services should recognise the impact of physical illness, social isolation, and recent self-harm as potential warning signs.

Suicide and anxiety disorders

• In 2013-2023, there were an estimated 1,337 suicides by patients with a primary diagnosis of anxiety disorder (7% of all patient suicides, an average of 122 deaths per year).

• There was an increase in all age groups; comorbid depression was common. 

• The majority were receiving antidepressants; only a quarter were receiving talking therapies.

Clinical message: Anxiety is a serious disorder that may be associated with suicide; it is important that talking therapies are available.

Suicide and recent migrants

• 76 deaths per year – there has been an increase in the number since 2017.

• Depression is common. 

• Many were discharged to socioeconomic adversity and poor social support.

Clinical message: A multi-agency care strategy is needed when discharge planning

Further reading and resources

Thank you to NCISH for making this resource available – it offers important insights for the self-harm and suicide prevention community.

If you’d like to learn more, you can read the report in full on the NCISH website. There is also a range of useful supporting resources, including an easy-read version, infographics, and a video summary.

National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health 12th Conference

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health. Annual Report: UK patient and general population data, 2013-2023. 2026. University of Manchester.