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Suicide: who is affected?
Although suicide results from many social and cultural
factors, mental illness is almost always involved. One in 10 people
living with schizophrenia die by suicide. Depression and substance
abuse are important risk factors. There is strong evidence that improved
treatment methods for those affected by depression can result in a
significant decrease in suicide rates. Everyone has a role to play
to prevent suicide and to take down the barriers that stop people
from getting help for their mental health problems before it is too
late. Care and treatment can make a difference.
Each year, some 4,000 Canadians take their own lives. Suicide and
suicidal behaviour affects one in 13 Canadians, regardless of age,
culture, income and education.
Some people are especially vulnerable. Suicide is responsible
for ¼ of all deaths amongst youth (15- to 24-year-olds). It is the second highest
cause of death following car accidents. Aboriginal and Inuit teens and gay and
lesbian teens may be at particularly high risk, depending on the community they
live in and their self-esteem.
Adolescence is a time of dramatic change.
Young people often feel tremendous pressure to succeed at school,
at home and in social settings. At the same time, they may lack the
life experience and coping skills necessary to recognize that difficult
situations will not last forever. Mental health problems commonly
associated with adults, such as depression, also affect youth. Any
one of these factors, or a combination of them, may become such a
source of pain that they seek relief in suicide.
Yet people are often reluctant to discuss it, partly due to the associated
fear, guilt or shame. Unfortunately, this tradition of silence perpetuates
harmful myths and attitudes. It can also prevent people from talking
openly about the pain they feel or the help they need. Communication
is the first essential step to assist a person at risk of suicide.
Learning the facts about suicide can help build your confidence to
discuss a difficult subject.
Myths and facts about youth suicide
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Warning signs:
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Suicidal youth rarely make a direct plea for help. But most will exhibit the following warning signs:
- Sudden change in behaviour (positive or negative)
- Apathy, withdrawal, change in eating patterns
- Unusual preoccupation with death or dying
- Giving away valued personal possessions
- Signs of depression, moodiness, hopelessness
- One or more previous suicide attempts
- Recent attempt or death by suicide by a friend or a family member
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Myth: Young people rarely think about suicide.
Fact: Teens and suicide are more closely linked than adults
might expect. In a survey of 15,000 grade 7 to 12 students in British
Columbia:
- 34% knew someone who had attempted or died by suicide
- 16% had seriously considered suicide
- 14% had made a suicide plan
- 7% had made an attempt
- 2% had required medical attention due to an attempt.
Myth: Talking about suicide will give youth
the idea or permission to consider suicide as a solution to problems.
Fact: Talking calmly about suicide, without showing fear or
making judgments, can help relieve a person who feels terribly isolated.
A willingness to listen shows sincere concern. Encouraging a person
to speak about suicidal feelings can reduce the risk of an attempt.
Myth: Suicide is sudden and unpredictable.
Fact: Suicide is most often a process, not an event. Eight
out of 10 people who die by suicide give indications of their intentions.
Myth: Suicidal youth are only seeking attention or trying to
manipulate others.
Fact: A suicide attempt is a cry for help. Judging the seriousness
of the suicidal intent is a critical but sometimes difficult task.
All suicide threats must be taken seriously.
Myth: People who are suicidal are determined to die.
Fact: Suicidal youth are in pain. They don't necessarily want
to die: they want their pain to end. If their ability to cope is stretched
to the limit, or if problems occur alongside a mental illness, it
may seem that death is the only way to make the pain stop.
Myth: A suicidal person will always be at risk.
Fact: Most people feel suicidal at some time in their lives.
The overwhelming desire to escape from pain can be relieved when the
problem or pressure is relieved. Learning effective coping techniques
to deal with stressful situations can help.
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Talking with youth
about suicide
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- Warning signs are an invitation
to communicate. A direct, straightforward response is most
effective.
- Ask the youth if she/he is contemplating
suicide. No matter what you hear, try not to be judgmental,
shocked or angry.
- Do not communicate your personal
attitudes about suicide. Instead, offer support and reassurance
that suicidal feelings do not last forever.
- Seek the help of a trained professional
as soon as possible.
- It is important that suicide is
not romanticized or glamorized. Instead, discuss with youth
the characteristics and events that can lead to suicide
and explore other options that exist.
- For parents, an attempted suicide
or death by suicide in their child's circle of friends is
an opportunity to explore their child's stress levels and
methods of coping. Dramatic statements of horror and fear
of suicide should be avoided. It is better to talk and to
be supportive, no matter what may be happening in the child's
life.
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Suicide: facts & statistics
- Suicide is a complex process. The cause is typically not attributed
to a single factor. It may be a routine event or an overwhelming
one that overloads a vulnerable youth's coping mechanisms.
- About 80% of people give some signals that they are suicidal
before taking their own life.
- Most people who are considering suicide don't really want to
die. They simply want to stop the overpowering emotional pain
they are experiencing.
- Each year, on average, 294 Canadian youths die from suicide,
which is ¼ of all youth deaths. Many more attempt it.
- Open discussion about suicide does not lead to increased instances
of suicide. The discussion about suicide will more likely give
a person the chance to talk about emotions and feelings and will
reduce the risk of suicide.
- Some Aboriginal and Inuit communities experience suicide rates
three to six times higher than the national average.
- People who die by suicide have usually attempted it more than
once before.
- Up to 30% of gay and lesbian youth attempt suicide.
- New research suggests there may be a genetic link to suicide.
A family history of suicidal behaviour should be considered, as
a young person may have been affected by this behaviour in the
past.
How to find help now
List of crises and distress centres, courtesy of the Centre
for Suicide Prevention.
Suicide and Youth
Kids Help Phone - Tel:
1-800-668-6868
Parents Help Line
- Tel: 1-888-603-9100
Resources
Suicide affects everyone. The following key topic
areas offer more information on specific areas related to suicide:
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This
feature was collaboratively prepared by the CHN 
