Women were more likely to be affected by suicide, according to a local authority report.
Cumberland Council said 782 responses to its The Big Question research were analysed, to understand the risks of suicide in the region and to identify steps in prevention.
The research focused on all genders and found women were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, make a suicide attempt and be bereaved by suicide.
The council's director of public health, Colin Cox, said: "Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility and these findings will guide how we deliver services to people before they reach crisis."
Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University brought together local data and the lived experience of people over 18 years, to better understand suicide, self-harm, and support needs across the area.
They found more than 50% of respondents had experienced suicidal or self-harm thoughts, and one in five had attempted suicide, after experiencing isolation, financial pressure and long waits for support.
In 2024, the area overseen by the council had the second highest rate of death by suicide registered in England and Wales.
The data found that men were less likely to seek help, while women were more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts and not get follow-up care.
It also highlighted a gap in support for younger adults, especially those aged 18 to 25, most likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
Many of these were linked to job insecurity, early life stress and a lack of stigma-free help.
Carlisle, Workington, and rural Whitehaven had the highest numbers of people experiencing suicidal thoughts, while in Cockermouth, Maryport and Workington there were more incidents of self-harm.
People in Whitehaven, Maryport, and rural Carlisle were least likely to receive follow-up care after a suicide attempt.
Residents linked these gaps to transport barriers, deprivation and local service inequalities.
Older adults aged 60 to 79 said they were often the least likely to receive help, suggesting that stigma, digital exclusion, and limited outreach made it harder to access care later in life.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released last year showed the suicide rate in England at 10.9 per 100,000 people compared to 19.4 per 100,000 in the Cumberland area.
The report said receiving early support made a positive difference with people who had had suicidal thoughts significantly less likely to make attempts.
The council said it was already taking action to improve mental wellbeing and more "needs to be done".
It said it would use the findings to strengthen local suicide prevention activity to ensure people received support long before reaching crisis point.
Cox added: "This report shines a light on an issue that affects all our communities.
"Understanding the experiences of those in crisis helps us act early to save lives."