Data Blog
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World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2016)Published: ()
Suicide is a significant public health issue. The grief and trauma associated with suicide produce long-term costs to society and devastating effects on families, friends and communities. Suicide is a complex problem involving biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors; yet is preventable by knowledge, care and compassion.
If you or anyone you know needs to talk to someone, please contact a call centre in Canada near you, or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
How serious is the problem?
9th
Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in Canada. [Statistics Canada]
2nd
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadians aged 10 to 29. [PHAC Infographic]
10/day
An average of 10 people die by suicide each day in Canada. [PHAC Infographic]
>3x
In 2012, the suicide rate for men was more than three times higher than the rate for women (17 versus 5 per 100,000 people). [Statistics Canada, CANSIM, table 102-0551]
65+
Among seniors (65+), 4 out of 5 suicides are among men. [PHAC Infographic]
>3,000,000
Over 3,300,000 Canadians 15 years or older say they have had thoughts of suicide in their lifetime. [CCHS – MH, 2012]
$3 billion
In 2010, the total economic burden of suicide and self-harm in Canada was estimated at $3 billion dollars. [Parachute]
Self-inflicted injury can range from non-suicidal self-injury (e.g. cutting, self-harming without intent to die), to suicidal attempts and suicide. Hospitalizations associated with self-inflicted injuries are used as a proxy to measure suicide attempts.
1 in 4
Hospitalizations for self-inflicted injuries among youth (10-17 years) accounted for 1 in 4 injury hospitalizations (2,500) in 2013/14. [CIHI-DAD -2013/14]
1/2
Among girls aged 10 to 17, self-inflicted injuries made up almost half (45%) of all injury hospitalizations in 2013-2014. [CIHI-DAD -2013/14]
Remember, there is HOPE.
If you are in crisis contact a call centre in Canada near you, or call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868.