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The economic crisis and rise in unemployment could lead to an increase in suicides, Samaritans has warned.

The charity is warning people to look out for signs of risk among families and friends as people face mounting debt and job fears.

Stephen Platt, professor of health policy research at the University of
Edinburgh and a Samaritans' Trustee, said: "Economic recession, especially when it is sudden and severe, can lead to an increase in suicide rates.

"The fear of losing one's job and pressures caused by a downturn in business, demotion or pension plan cutbacks can be bad for mental health and therefore increase suicide risk."

Research undertaken by the charity shows that one in ten (about 280,000) contacts concerns financial issues, with 41 per cent of contacts who raise financial issues worried about employment, 32 per cent concerned about housing and 25 per cent anxious about debt.

Samaritans said signs to watch out for include: being withdrawn; being low-spirited or depressed; drinking alcohol excessively or becoming dependent on drugs; finding it difficult to relate to others; and taking less care of themselves.

Other warning signs include: acting out of character; being tearful or constantly fighting back tears; being excessively irritable; finding it hard to concentrate; feeling less energetic or particularly tired; eating much less or much more than usual; and putting themselves down.