Suicide Prevention

World Suicide Day is on September 10th annually worldwide. This is a day for many of us to acknowledge the ones who have lost their lives to suicide, honour the people who have lost loved ones to suicide and to be together as a community to talk about a subject that may make us feel uncomfortable.

Many times, suicidal actions are a desperate cry for help. Suicide can be prevented by paying attention to the warning signs. You may be able to prevent a death.

Together, lets create a suicide-safer community.

If you are thinking about suicide, you are probably feeling alone and overwhelmed. You may be feeling guilty that you are having thoughts of suicide. You desperately want to tell someone, but you are scared… tell someone, tell anyone, tell everyone. Talk about it.

Safety is your main priority. If you are concerned for your immediate safety, have persistent intense thoughts of suicide please call 911 or have someone accompany you to the emergency department.

Statistics:

• In 2009 there were 3,890 suicides in Canada, a rate of 11.5 per 100,000 people. The equivalent of one jumbo jet per month
• The suicide rate for males was three times higher than the rate for females (17.9% versus 5.3% per 100,000)
• Although suicide deaths affect almost all age groups, those aged 40 to 59 had the highest rates
• Married people had a lower suicide rate than those who were single, divorced or widowed
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death after accidental deaths among youth aged 15 – 24 years
• Seniors have the greatest lethality of all age groups
• Every year, almost one million people die from suicide; or one death every 40 seconds
• It is estimated that there are 20 suicide attempts for every one death by suicide
• An estimate 5-7% of the population is thinking about suicide at any given time
• Suicide does not discriminate. It touches people from all cultures, religions, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups

Reference

3 C’s of Suicide Prevention

1. Connect – Connect with those who are struggling. Listen to them and help them find the support they need. View our resources page.
2. Communicate – Don’t hesitate to talk to someone who is thinking about or at risk of suicide. The best thing you can do is to speak openly about suicide to help end the stigma.
3. Care – Take the time to care for yourself first and then for those around you. You can’t help others well if you are not well yourself. Caring safely is a key element of preventing suicide.