To reduce suicide rates, we need to reach people

‘Worryingly, a significant number of people who die by suicide have never been in contact with mental health services.’ Photograph: David Wall/Getty Images

The stark rise in the number of lives lost to suicide is extremely concerning and action is needed to address this (Suicide rates in England and Wales reach highest level since 1999, 29 August).

There has been a global decline in mental health in recent decades, as highlighted by the Lancet Psychiatry commission on youth mental health. Many people are affected by societal challenges in areas such as the economy, environment, social isolation and social media. Worryingly, a significant number of people who die by suicide have never been in contact with mental health services. More must be done to encourage people to come forward and to make sure they receive the best possible care.