The suicide rate for Canadians, as measured by the World Health Organization, is 15 per 100,000 people. According to numerous studies, rates are even higher among specific groups. For example, the suicide rate for Inuit peoples living in Northern Canada is between 60 and 75 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the general population. Other populations at an increased risk of suicide include youth, the elderly, inmates in correctional facilities, people with a mental illness, and those who have previously attempted suicide. According to Statistics Canada, between 1997 and 1999, there was a 10 percent increase in suicides across Canada, from 3,681 to 4,074. In Ontario alone, suicides rose from 930 in 1997 to 1,032 in 2001.
Average figures hide the existence of certain population groups which are at extremely high risk for suicide: including prison inmates, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered persons, transsexuals, persons with certain mental health problems, and Natives.
Talking about gender, it is shown that men commit suicide at a rate four times higher than that of women. According to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information , more men in Ontario committed suicide in the past 10 years than died in car crashes. Approximately 591 men committed suicide in Ontario between 1990 and 2000, while 558 men died in car crashes. Women, however, make 3 to 4 times more suicide attempts than men do, and women are hospitalized in general hospitals for attempted suicide at 1.5 times the rate of men. Studies indicate that there is a significant correlation between a history of sexual abuse and the lifetime number of suicide attempts, and this correlation is twice as strong for women as for men.
In Canada, suicide accounts for 24 percent of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16 percent among 16-44 year olds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the ages of 10 and 24. Seventy-three percent of hospital admissions for attempted suicide are for people between the ages of 15 and 44.
People with mood disorders are at a particularly high risk of suicide. Studies indicate that more than 90 percent of suicide victims have a diagnosable psychiatric illness, and suicide is the most common cause of death for people with schizophrenia. Both major depression and bipolar disorder account for 15 to 25 percent of all deaths by suicide in patients with severe mood disorders. According to Toronto Metro Police Mental Health Act data, the number of documented suicide attempts rose 14 percent from 1996 to 2001. Statistics Canada reports that suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in Canada.
Despite a commonly held myth that the Christmas season has the highest suicide rate of all the seasons, studies have proven that across North America, suicide rates are actually lower at that time of year. Studies suggest that while the holidays can bring up some very difficult emotions, they also tend to evoke feelings of familial bonds and these feelings may act as a buffer against suicide.
It is important to note that while suicide rates do not increase over the holiday season, depression rates do. Numerous studies, as well as anecdotal evidence from the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario and the Toronto Distress Centre, confirm that both the number and severity of calls by depressed persons increases every year through November and December, returning to normal volume towards the end of January.
When thinking about suicide, people tend to try different methods. In Canada, some of the methods used by both men and women are self-poisoning, gases, hanging, drowning, firearms, burning, cutting, jumping, motor vehicles etc.
In Canada there is a Centre for Suicide Prevention that represents a very good support for people who need help concerning suicidal behaviours. This centre is specialized in curriculum development, training programs, library and information services. The purpose of the Centre is to inform and equip people with additional knowledge and skills in the prevention of suicide. The Centre for Suicide Prevention has been delivering a variety of high quality and practical skill development workshops across Canada since 1983.
Suicide is a worldwide public health issue and people from all cultural, religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds can be affected by suicide or suicidal behaviours. As we can see, Canada is no exception when it comes to the word suicide. When it comes to people in crisis, the individuals, communities, and governments can think about a solution for the people who need help.
Although we sometimes lack the ability to accurately predict if and when a person will attempt or commit suicide, the health care and mental health personnel are in the best position to identify, assess, and treat potentially suicidal behaviour. Even though not all the suicides are preventable, many are, and a systematic reduction of these deaths can occur if comprehensive suicide prevention programmes are implemented in correctional facilities throughout the world
References:
1. . , World Health Organization (October 2002).
2. . , Canadian Institute for Health Information (December 2002).
3. . , IMS HEALTH, Canada (March 2001).
4. . , Suicide Information & Education Centre (November 2002)
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World Health Organization (October 2002). World Report on Violence and Health. Geneva. .
World Health Organization (October 2002). World Report on Violence and Health. Geneva.
Weir, E., & Wallington, T. (2001). Suicide: The hidden epidemic. CMAJ (2001; 165[5])
Canadian Institute for Health Information (December 2002). Ontario Trauma Registry 2002 Report Injury Deaths in Ontario.. : .
Canadian Psychiatric Association (2002). Mental Illness Awareness Week online article
IMS HEALTH, Canada (March 2001). Annual review of prescribing and diagnoses trends. .
Suicide Information & Education Centre (November 2002). Are suicide rates higher at Christmas?.