Canadian Statistics

• Over 800,000 people die by suicide every year across the globe (2014 World Health Organization report on suicide prevention)

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death globally among 15-29 year olds (2014 World Health Organization report on suicide prevention)

• There are indications that for each adult who died of suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide (2014 World Health Organization report on suicide prevention)

• Approximately 11 people will end their lives by suicide today in Canada and four out of five people who die by suicide have made at least one previous attempt (Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention, 2014)

• Suicide occurs across all age, economic, social and ethnic boundaries (Canadian Association of Suicide prevention, 2014)

• Suicide and mental health problems are deeply connected; it is estimated that 90 per cent of people who die by suicide were experiencing a mental health problem or illness (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014)

• In December 2012, parliament enacted legislation to establish a federal framework for suicide prevention. Additionally, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention is working to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behavior by facilitating, advocating, supporting and advising (Mental Health Commission of Canada)

• BC’s suicide rates have remained fairly stable, roughly 500 per year (BC Coroners Report, 2014)

• 8% of male students and 17% of female students in BC reported having thoughts of suicide this year (2014 McCreary Centre Society Report on BC Adolescent Health Survey)