Researchers find no increase, though results are based on data from wealthier countries

The number of suicides did not increase in the early months of the Covid pandemic, at least in wealthy countries, researchers have found.

This month the Royal College of Psychiatrists warned the NHS was struggling to cope with demand for mental health support, noting that record numbers of children and adults in England had sought help last year.

Related: Extent of mental health crisis in England at ‘terrifying’ level

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.