Suicide amongst people with PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can feel like being stuck in a nightmare, and it’s not unusual for some people to experience thoughts of suicide.

During 2020, there were 6,169* reported deaths by suicide across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Across all regions, the male suicide rate was higher than in females.

Studies have shown that people who have experienced a traumatic event and/or have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD or C-PTSD) may be more likely to attempt suicide. Infact, it’s been reported that approximately 27% of people who have had a diagnosis of PTSD at some point in their lifetime, have attempted suicide.

It’s also been shown that the average time between PTSD diagnosis and suicide was less than two and a half years.

Shocking statistics from one study showed that in a general population 3.5% of suicides reported in women may be due to PTSD, and 0.6% of suicides in men, suggesting that as many as 1.6% of all suicides may be a result of PTSD or C-PTSD. What is clear is that more resources and attention needs to be directed to preventing suicides, including those people with PTSD and C-PTSD.

The connection between PTSD & C-PTSD and suicide

In one study, looking at people with PTSD, over ‘half of the sample (56.4%) reported some aspect of suicidality with 38.3% reporting ideation, 8.5% reporting suicide plans and 9.6% having made suicide attempts since the trauma. Of the nine participants who reported suicide attempts, six had made more than one attempt. The proportions of participants who reported suicidality in this sample were significantly greater than reported within the general population.’

However, knowing exactly how many people with PTSD or C-PTSD have suicidal thoughts, make attempts on their life, or succeed in suicide, is a number impossible to collate accurately, through research has documented consistent evidence of a strong association between the conditions and suicide.

What this tells us about PTSD and Suicide

This study reinforces the urgency of addressing suicidal thoughts in people with PTSD and C-PTSD. It also shows how vital early intervention is in tackling symptoms and offering robust therapies that achieve sustainable recovery.

Left undiagnosed, untreated or insufficiently supported, PTSD or C-PTSD linked depression, despair, isolation and guilt can escalate all too quickly, leaving individuals with the conviction that death is their only escape.

Also, new focus needs to be placed on the support provided to those who survive suicide attempts. Research into PTSD & C-PTSD and suicide has shown that 15% of people who survive, eventually complete the act. That number needs to be drastically reduced.

What is PTSD UK doing to address this issue?

Our mission is to find ways to increase awareness the causes, symptoms and treatment paths for PTSD and C-PTSD. Our aim is always to show ways to recover from this condition and achieve a better quality of life, but also to prevent more deaths amongst those with PTSD or C-PTSD.

We are also currently awaiting notification on our acceptance to the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) to further strengthen the work we do to surrounding this issue for people with PTSD and C-PTSD.

What to do if you’re feeling suicidal

If you’re feeling like you want to die, it’s important to tell someone.

If you are feeling suicidal now you may be feeling very alone, lost, frightened, confused. You may be feeling there is no other way out of your problem, difficulties, worries, feelings, or whatever reason you are contemplating taking your life.

It may be that at the moment you are so overcome with feelings, sadness, despair, that you are not able to think clearly about other possibilities, other solutions, other alternatives, other ways of coping.

If you cannot see for yourself a reason to carry on living, try and give others the chance to explore with you whether they can help you – give someone a chance to do that for you.

Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. There a number of support phone lines listed at the bottom of this page for you to contact by phone, email or even text.

If you need help, or someone to talk to, please don’t wait. You can also try these tips for coping right now:

• try not to think about the future – just focus on getting through today
• stay away from drugs and alcohol
• get yourself to a safe place, like a friend’s house
• be around other people
• do something you usually enjoy, such as spending time with a pet

What to do if someone you know needs support

If you’re worried someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts – we encourage you to ask them directly.

The Samaritans note, ‘Asking someone if they’re suicidal won’t make things worse. Evidence shows it could protect them.

If someone is feeling suicidal, it might be hard to get through to them. They might be distant or distracted or feel disconnected from the world and their own emotions. They might not respond right away. But asking someone directly if they’re having suicidal thoughts can give them permission to tell you how they feel.

If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. You don’t have to be an expert, just being there to listen and showing you care can help them work through what’s going on. Let them know they’re not a burden and there’s always someone they can turn to – whether it’s a family member or friend, or a 24/7 helpline like Samaritans.

It’s OK to ask about suicidal thoughts. It could save a life.’

IF YOU, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE CALL 999.

For urgent psychological support, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text CONTACT to 85258 to reach trained volunteers at Shout. 

Alternatively, contact one of the organisations listed below: