Suicide Awareness

Estimates indicate that for every recorded death by suicide, there are from 5% to 25% unreported suicides. Attempts to die by suicide are estimated to be 40 to 100 times greater than the number of deaths by suicide.

Canadians are approximately 7 times more likely to die from suicide than to be a victim of homicide.

Youth and Suicide in Canada:

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian youth aged 10 – 24, the first leading cause is motor vehicle accidents.
Every year in Canada, almost 300 youth die by suicide. Between 8/10 of Canadian youth consider suicide before graduating high school.
Adolescent men are three to five times more likely to die by suicide than young women are.
Adolescent women are four to seven times more likely to attempt suicide than young men are.
Studies indicate widespread use of alcohol and drugs among teens are major causal factors in youth suicide.
Men are at least three times more likely than women to die by suicide.
Women make three to four times more suicide attempts than men do.
Men are also more likely than women to die during their first suicide attempt, because the methods men tend to use are more lethal.

There is no single reason why people consider suicide. Often there are a variety of stressors, mental health concerns and life events that contribute to thoughts of suicide. The majority of people who struggle with thoughts of suicide are do not want to die, but an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness contribute to suicidal behaviour. Suicide is more often about having trouble with life than about wanting to die.

Understanding Risks that can Contribute to Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings

Living with a serious physical or mental illness, or supporting someone who has a serious physical or mental illness
Excessive use of alcohol, illegal and/or prescription drugs and/or other substances.
Experience of traumatic event or major loss
Past suicide attempts
Social isolation
Recent suicide of a relative or friend, or family history of suicide
Struggling with identity issues or planning for the future
Living with or recovering from abuse, domestic violence, bullying or sexual assault
Major life changes
Sexual orientation and the impact of stigma and/or discrimination
Peer pressure, low self-esteem, and self-harm as only coping strategy

Signs of Risk

Someone with thoughts of suicide may:

talk about wanting to die
threaten suicide
show changes in behaviour,
change their appearance
experience mood swings
abuse drugs and/or alcohol
deliberately injure themselves
appear depressed or sad
withdraw from family & friends
easily become agitated or angry

Helping a friend

Be a good friend
Listen carefully
Be patient and calm
Watch for warning signs
Get help from others
Send them a text to check in and have them text you back
Don’t keep it a secret
Don’t take on their problems, just try to help connect them
Take all threats seriously
TELL SOMEONE!!

Helping myself

TALK ABOUT IT! Tell Someone; a friend, parent, family doctor, counsellor…someone who will listen

Keep yourself safe

Have a contact you feel comfortable with that you can call
Have a safe place where you feel like no one can harm you and you will not harm yourself
Distract yourself with favourite things
Develop a support system
Know who you can call
Have their numbers available. Make a list
Don’t be scared to ask someone to stay with you
Know that you can always call the crisis line

Day to day tips

Get lots of sleep
Eat healthy
Exercise, get active
Try to relax with yoga, deep breathing,
meditation, reading or music
Stay involved or get involved with activities you enjoy
Surround yourself with positive people
Avoid drugs, alcohol & caffeine