Why are so many more women struggling with suicidal thoughts?

Suicide rates in women are rising. Between 2012 and 2022 ONS data recorded a 32% rise in women and young girls suicides. We caught up with NSPA member Grassroots Suicide Prevention who have launched a Women’s Suicide Prevention Support Hub. The Hub aims to address some of the biggest suicide risk factors among women.

Inclusivity statement: When we use the word ‘women’, we mean any self-identifying woman. We are committed to recognising and validating everyone’s gender identity. We also know that some of the issues mentioned here are not exclusive to women. We encourage you to visit the Women’s Suicide Prevention Hub and use the help and resources listed if you need to.

Suicide rates among women in the United Kingdom

In England and Wales the number of suicides have increased to their highest level since 1999 with women aged 50-54 showing some of the highest rates. Between 2012 and 2022, there was a rise in women’s suicides in the UK. Most of these deaths are preventable with timely intervention and appropriate support. 

The mental health support service Shout reported that 48% of service users were girls or women under the age of 25 and 37% of their conversations were about suicide. In turn, research by Mind in 2022 found that 77% of women experiencing poor mental health were not seeking support from mental health charities, 70% were not seeking help through online resources, and 56% were not seeking support from their doctor.

Factors behind the rise in suicide rates among women

Suicide is a highly complex issue. We know that one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives and, for people under 35, it remains the leading cause of death. The reasons people find themselves in a crisis can vary widely, including issues such as bullying and family breakdowns, trauma, domestic abuse, financial problems, and mental health issues. 

But why are so many more women increasingly struggling with their mental health and suicidal thoughts? 

The WHO reports that depression and anxiety affect a greater proportion of women than men, and post-pandemic research from the University of Glasgow showed a significant increase in suicidal thoughts among women in the first six weeks of COVID-19. The pandemic brought additional financial stress, an increase in domestic abuse, additional caregiving responsibilities, and in many cases, sudden grief.

Women aged 45-64, also known as the ‘sandwich generation’, are juggling between caring for elderly parents, young children and their careers, with limited time for mental or physical self-care. In fact, one in six carers say that they are contemplating suicide and one in ten say they’ve already attempted suicide.

On top of these societal pressures, there are also known additional risk factors for women which include: menopause and perimenopause; domestic violence and abuse; perinatal; postpartum period; childhood abuse; sexual violence; eating disorders; and body image and premenstrual syndromes. 

When ongoing societal pressures such as the lasting impact of the pandemic combine with known risk factors, women are being pushed towards the point of crisis. 

Recovery is possible with timely intervention and support

Often, people who are thinking about suicide want their pain to end but not their lives. Research shows that with the right intervention, suicidal thoughts can be interrupted, and recovery is possible. It’s important to recognise that some people live with complex mental health conditions and ongoing suicidal ideation. That’s why it’s crucial to listen to individuals with lived experience to better understand how we can support those at risk. 

If you are struggling with your mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for support – you are not alone. This could be your first step on the path to recovery. Likewise, if you know someone who is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. You can learn how to spot the signs, ask direct questions about suicide, and create a safety plan while connecting them to further support. 

Molly’s story

“For as long as I can remember, home was a place of fear, not comfort. I learned early on to suppress my desires, stay silent, and blend into the background – doing whatever I could to avoid anger or cruelty. 

But, at 21, I finally found the courage to leave. It wasn’t sudden; it was the result of years of quiet determination. I walked away from what should have been my sanctuary but had become my prison. Stepping into my new life felt like emerging from a dark tunnel into the light. For the first time, I could breathe freely. 

Yet, as the initial relief faded, I realised escaping was only the beginning. The trauma didn’t vanish; it followed me, affecting every part of my life. 

Estranging myself from my family brought both relief and loneliness. No one truly understood the fear that lingered. Though I’d escaped, the scars ran deep, affecting my relationships, trust, and self-worth. Anxiety and depression weighed me down, but the same strength that helped me leave keeps me moving forward. 

Piece by piece, I’m rebuilding my life. I’ve found hope in the darkest places, and no one can take that from me. I’ve found ways to cope and connect with those who understand. I’ve realised my story is my superpower, and now I share it to help others recognise the signs of abuse.” 

Resources for support

For more information, visit the Women’s Suicide Prevention Hub. 

You can also download our free Stay Alive app. Stay Alive has nearly 1 million downloads, 14 different languages and is recommended by the NHS. A 2024 independent evaluation reported that it helped keep 76% of at-risk users stay safe from suicide . The app has a Find Help Now section where you can find nearly 800 local and national support options to help keep you or someone you’re supporting to stay safe.  

About the author

Rachael started her career as a solicitor before moving into senior leadership and non-executive roles in Higher Education, charity and housing sectors and is currently the Chief Executive of Grassroots Suicide Prevention. Grassroots Suicide Prevention’s vision is ‘A future where more lives are saved from suicide’ and we empower people to help saves lives from suicide through connecting, educating, and campaigning nationally.