Suicide Prevention

Suicide is currently the fifth leading cause of death among Canadians. Cancer, heart disease, cardiovascular disease and unintentional injuries only exceeded suicide deaths. Fact #1

Fact #2 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.

Fact #3 Between 70% and 80% of Canadian youth consider suicide before graduation.

Fact #4 In 1997, 401 suicides were completed in Alberta 98% (393) of which were completed by residents of Alberta.

Fact #5 Some point during their lifetime, and approximately one in ten will seriously consider it.

Fact #6 Suicide is a complex process. The cause is typically not attributed to a single factor.

Fact #7 Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian youth aged

Fact #8 Up to 30% of gay and lesbian youth attempt suicide.

Fact #9 In Canada over 25,000 youth attempt suicide annually and over 250 complete.

Fact 10 Research suggests that adolescents who use marijuana and/or cigarettes are at increased risk of suicide. Studies have also found that as many as 20% of those who die by suicide have used cocaine in the days prior to death.

Fact #11 A suicide attempt is regarded as an indicator of further attempts. It is likely that the level of danger will increase with each further suicide attempt.

Fact# 12 Nationally, Alberta’s suicide rate per 100,000 population is ranked second among Canada’s provinces. The highest rate in Canadian provinces was Quebec and the lowest rate among Canadian provinces was Newfoundland.

Fact #13 Suicide is the leading cause of injury death among Albertans, accounting for nearly one third of all injury fatalities.

Fact #14 Each year, on average, 294 Canadian youths die from suicide, which is ¼ of all youth deaths. Many more attempt it.

Fact #15 Aboriginal Canadians especially young native males are especially at risk of suicide. Some aboriginal communities have rates 3-5 times higher than the general population.

Fact #16 People with personality disorders are approximately three times as likely to die by suicide than those without. Between 25 and 50% of these individuals also have a substance abuse disorder or major depressive disorder.

Fact #17 About 80% of people give some signals that they are suicidal before taking their own life.

Fact #18 Suicide is generally carried out without warning. 30% of suicides have been preceded with warning signs.

Canadian Mental Health Association

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30 pm For further information on these programs, contact: Phone: rvices/suicide/index.aspx Contact Information

Various Mental Health Services

Distress Center Distress Centre Telephone: (24 Hour) Toll Free: Fax: TTY: Pager: Website:

OBAD The Organization For Bipolar Affective Disorders Society Kaj Korvela, Executive Director th Ave SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1A8 Phone: (403)

Telecare Calgary Services Telephone: (Crisis Line) Website: Other:

SPRP Suite 320, 1202 Centre Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Phone: Fax:

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