September is Suicide Awareness month. One month fully dedicated to educating individuals about suicide. A month that has been dedicated to battling the stigma and busting the myths around suicide. So, let us join the conversation. As we know it,
suicide is a very taboo and heavy topic to discuss. But the reality, is that it needs to be discussed. Let’s talk about suicide, the stats, and bust some myths.
Statistics:
Suicide in Canada has been an ongoing and increasing concern. In 2021 it had risen to the third highest cause of death world-wide. In Canada, today it has grown to be the second leading cause of death. Approximately twelve people will die by suicide per day, and 4500 per year. World-wide this is approximately 720 000 deaths by suicide per year, with about twenty attempts for every individual death. That is over fourteen million attempts worldwide, per year. Allow that to sink in.
In a lifetime 12% of the Canadian population has thought about suicide, and 2.6% have thought about it in the past year. 4.2% of Canadians in their lifetime have planned their suicide, and 0.8% have planned it within the last year. These numbers only continue to increase year by year. Which is why we need to talk about it to create awareness, battle the stigma, and bust the myths.
- Facts:
There are many factors that can reduce suicidal ideation and work to prevent suicide,
including:
- Finding and engaging with social supports,
- Working on and improving mental and physical wellbeing,
- Participating in activities and hobbies that bring joy or pleasure,
- Doing things that increase our sense of belonging or give us a purpose, and
- Creating and nurturing relationships with friends, family, community, and
culture to increase feelings of connectedness,
For more information about suicide prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/prevention/index.html
- This is a common misconception about suicide, and more importantly suicide awareness. The reality of this is that the more we talk about suicide, how to prevent it, and provide resources; the more awareness is spread. When we spread awareness, we increase the chances that someone may reach out for help.
For more information about talking about suicide with loved ones:
https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/words-matter-suicide-language-guide.pdf
- Most suicide cases have several different signs or clues that hint to it in the minutes, days, or occasionally weeks leading up to it. Some verbal clues can be statements like “I can’t go on,” or “There’s nothing for me anymore.” While some physical signs may
look like: - Withdrawing from people or activities (ie: sports, activities, hobbies),
- Expressing feelings like hopelessness, or desperation for control or a change,
- Loss or lack of interest in things that used to bring joy,
- Sudden mood swings.
For more information on suicide warning sings:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide
https://sprc.org/warning-signs-of-suicide/
In many cases, active suicidal ideation is typically short-term, and/or specific to a situation. In other words, many thoughts of suicide can be impulsive or a way to grasp at control. Suicide is often an attempt to regain control over the overwhelming, deeply
rooted, and painful emotions that an individual is experiencing. However, many individuals who have had thought of or attempted suicide have gone on to live long and fulfilled lives.
For more information about suicidal ideation and remission:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178118310886
Myths:
Suicide cannot be prevented.
Talking about suicide only encourages it to happen.
Most cases of suicide are happening with absolutely no warning signs
When someone is suicidal, they will always remain suicidal.
Resources:
At Roots in Wellness, we want to remind everyone that you are not alone. There is an abundance of local, national, and international resources available. If you or anyone you may know is thinking about suicide, please call 9-8-8.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
Barrett Center for Crisis: (905) 529-7878
COAST (Hamilton): (905) 972-8338
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness: 1-855-242-3310
Stephanie Byerson
Intern Therapist
RP (Qualifying)
References:
Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d). Thinking about suicide?
https://cmhato.org/understandingmentalhealth/thinkingaboutsuicide/#:~:text=In%20the%20days%20and%20hours,should%20always%20be%20taken%20seriously.
Dazzi, T., Gribble, R., Wessely, S., & Fear, N. T. (2014). Does asking about suicide and related behaviours induce suicidal ideation? What is the evidence? Psychological medicine, 44(16), 3361–3363. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291714001299
Fuller, K. (2020). 5 Common myths about suicide debunked. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/stigma/5-common-myths-about-suicide-debunked/
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Suicide risks and prevention. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public health/services/suicide-prevention/suicide-risks-prevention.html
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Suicide in Canda: Key statistics. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-key-statistics-infographic.html
World Health Organization. (2025). Suicide. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
