World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.

Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than females, but women are three times more likely to attempt to end their lives.

Here are some more statistics on suicide in Canada:

• 10 people in this country will end their lives by suicide today
• 200 people will attempt to end their lives by suicide today
• Suicide will leave up to 100 people in a state of bereavement today
• Suicide is currently ranked as the 9th leading cause of death in Canada
• 14.7% of Canadians have thought about suicide and 3.5% have attempted suicide

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the mental well being of people around the world. With the psychological implications of social distancing, quarantines and other restrictions, people’s world’s have been changed completely since March of 2020.

How to help someone who may be in crisis:

• Showing concern can be an immediate way to help someone
• Listening won’t increase the risk of suicide and it may save a life
• Talking with them and reassuring them that they’re not alone
• Letting them know you care
• Connecting them with a crisis line, a counsellor and/or a trusted person

Here are some useful resources/contacts:

• The Canada Suicide Prevention Service – 833-456-4566
• Centre for Suicide Prevention – 403-245-3900
• Hope for Wellness Helpline – 855-242-3310
• www.suicideprevention.ca
• www.crisistextline.ca
• www.heretohelp.bc.ca