Every September 10, individuals around the world observe World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is crucial because it raises awareness of an issue many still struggle to address — suicide. Suicide is a severe population health concern in Canada and elsewhere in the world. World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that every life matters, and every conversation counts.

Why World Suicide Prevention Day is important

The Canadian Association to Suicide Prevention estimates that about 4,000 Canadians die by suicide each year…- over 11 people a day. It is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults aged 15 to 34 in Canada.

Yet suicide is preventable. Through awareness creation, stigma reduction and support, we can save lives.

A Global Movement

In 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention together with the World Health Organization initiated World Suicide Prevention Day. It has since evolved to become a world-wide phenomenon of hope, knowledge and action. Every year a theme is selected to concentrate efforts.

Recent themes have included:

• The building of Hope through Action.
• The Working Together to Prevent Suicide.
• Take a Minute, Change a Life.

These themes highlight how little things can be used to make a huge difference such as a conversation, helping hand or even just listening.

Suicide in Canada: Understanding the Issue

Suicide is a problem that cuts across all ages, background and communities in Canada. There are, however, groups that are more vulnerable and do not have an easy time accessing help.

Youth and Young Adults

• The second cause of death among the Canadians aged between 15-34 is suicide.
• Feelings of hopelessness among youth may stem from mental health challenges, bullying, academic pressure, and social media use.

Indigenous Communities

• The suicide rate of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis is many times greater than the national one.
• Indigenous mental health is still affected by the heritage of colonialism, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma.
• Programs and culturally relevant mental health services should be community-led to help eliminate these inequalities.

Men and Mental Health

• Men have a higher probability of suicide compared to women despite the fact that women are more likely to complain of mental health problems.
• This is often due to stigma surrounding help-seeking process, toxic masculinity, and the absence of emotional support.

Signs That Someone May Be Struggling

Being aware of the potential indicators of suicide will allow you to tell when a person needs assistance:

• Discussing the desire to die or hopelessness.
• Quitting friends, family or activities.
• Sudden personality or mood fluctuations.
• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye unexpectedly
• More alcohol or drug use.
• Feeling worthless.

Do not keep quiet in case you are worried about someone. Posing the question of suicide will not put the idea in their heads, on the contrary, it can open the gateway to life-saving assistance.

How You Can Help

Start the Conversation

Here are some ways to start a conversation if you think someone is struggling:

• Ask: “Are you okay?” or “Have you been thinking about suicide?
• Listen: Don’t interrupt or try to offer quick fixes. Just be present.
• Support: Make them aware they are not alone.
• Refer: Have them communicate with a mental health worker or call a crisis line.

Use the “Talk, Listen, Connect” Approach

• Talk openly and honestly
• Listen without judgment
• Link them with professional support.

You do not necessarily need to know everything. A big difference can be made by just demonstrating that you care.

Canadian Resources and Crisis Support

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline

In November 2023, Canada introduced the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline – a free 24/ 7 hotline providing assistance to anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal.

• Call or text 988 anytime.
• In English and French available in Canada.
• Manned by crisis responders.

This new national line is a giant step to enhancing the accessibility of mental health support in Canada.

 Other Canadian Support Services

• Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7 support)
• Text 45645 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 6868686868.
• Hope for Wellness Line: 1-855-242-3310 (support of Indigenous peoples)
• Wellness Together Canada: Resources in mental health and substance use online: www.wellnesstogether.ca

Keep these figures at your fingertips you never know when someone in your life is going to need them.

What You can do on World Suicide Prevention Day

Wear Yellow or Orange

These colours represent hope, memory, and awareness. Wearing them is a little, yet apparent gesture of support.

Post Resources to Social Media

Create awareness on social media with the hashtags such as #WSPD, #WorldSuicidePreventionDay or #CreatingHopeThroughAction. Resource sharing can assist one in getting the support required.

Light a Candle at 8 PM

On September 10 each year, People around the world light a candle near a window at 8:00 p.m. local time to recall the victims of suicide and to comfort the bereaved.

Attend a Local Event or Vigil

There are numerous walks, vigils, workshops, and awareness events in many communities across Canada. Being involved is a way of solidarity and can minimize stigma.

Moving Forward Together: Ending the Stigma

The first step to ending suicide is to talk about mental health. Many people avoid reaching out for help due to the stigma around mental illness.

By accepting the fact that mental illness is not a weakness and that suicide is not a moral failure we will be able to create a more caring, understanding and supportive society.

What We Can Do as a Community

• Increase funding for mental health services.
• Promote mental health education.
• Promote candid discussions in schools, work places, and homes.
• Promote equitable and open services in all the provinces and territories.