Thinking About World Suicide Prevention Day

Sunday September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day, promoting worldwide action to prevent suicides and create awareness that suicide is a preventable cause of premature death. Over 800,000 people around the world die by suicide annually, which is one person every 40 seconds, and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt.

Organizations around the world, including the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization, play a key role in promoting this event. Events include publications about suicide awareness and prevention, conferences, training courses about suicide and depression awareness, new government initiatives to prevent suicide, memorial services for those who died from suicide, cultural or spiritual events and exhibits. Communities around the world reaffirm their commitment to suicide prevention. It is an important conversation to keep going.

A recent Canadian study found striking differences in the rates of youth suicide attempts between provinces. In all four provinces that provided data – Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and BC – young people had the highest rates of suicide attempts, especially between 15 and 19. In Manitoba, the rates were much higher than in the other provinces, with about 18 attempts per 1,000 teens in that age group who suffered from mental illness or addiction. The rate for both B.C. and Alberta were around 10 attempts. The lowest rate was in Ontario, at fewer than five attempts per 1,000 teens. The researchers caution that the rates are likely even higher than indicated in the report, because they were only able to measure hospitalizations due to suicide attempts, meaning that if someone went to the emergency department but wasn’t admitted, they would not show up in the data. Aboriginal youth are amongst the highest rates of suicide in our country. People living in northern or remote areas are the most vulnerable due to the difficulty accessing consistent mental health and addictions services. Studies like these are making the invisible visible.

Let’s remember that talking about it is no longer taboo. Let’s acknowledge suicide past September 10th and keep an open dialogue on the subject. We all know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Let’s learn to love ourselves, each other and live your life to the fullest!!

For more information on suicide prevention, visit CASP. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please find a suicide crisis center near you.