Together We Give Hope

Statistics

If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk of suicide, please reach out:

  • 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline / Ligne d’aide en cas de crise de suicide
  • Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
  • Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
  • Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
  • Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)

 

  • Over 700,000 people die because of suicide every year across the globe. (2019 World Health Organization report on suicide prevention)
  • Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15 to19-year-olds worldwide. (2019 World Health Organization report on suicide prevention)
  • For each suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide. A previous suicide attempt is the most important risk factor for suicide in the general population. (2019 World Health Organization report on suicide prevention)
  • Youth have experienced the greatest declines since the pandemic began. (2020 Statistics Canada, Impacts on Mental Health)
  • Those who were already experiencing poor mental health before COVID-19 were impacted even more by the pandemic, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. (2020 Statistics Canada, Impacts on Mental Health)
  • Visible minority groups were more likely than white people to report poor mental health (27.8% vs. 22.9%) and to experience symptoms consistent with “moderate” or “severe” generalized anxiety disorder (30.0% vs. 24.2%). (2020 Statistics Canada, Impacts on Mental Health)
  • Those reporting poor mental health are up to four times more likely to report increased substance use since the pandemic began. (2020 Statistics Canada, Impacts on Mental Health)
  •  On average there are more than 10 deaths by suicide daily in Canada. (2020 Canadian Psychology Association of Canada, “Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Suicide)
  • Approximately 4,000 people die by suicide in Canada each year. (2020 Canadian Psychology Association of Canada, “Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Suicide)
  • Three-quarters of those who die by suicide are men. (2020 Canadian Psychology Association of Canada, “Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Suicide)
  • In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. (2021 Canadian Mental Health Association, Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness)
  • Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures; however, systemic inequalities such as racism, poverty, homelessness, discrimination, colonial and gender-based violence, among others, can worsen mental health and symptoms of mental illness, especially if mental health supports are difficult to access. (2021 Canadian Mental Health Association, Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness)
  • 4,012 Canadians died by suicide in 2019, an average of 334 people per month. (2021 Canadian Mental Health Association, Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness)
  • In Canada, suicide disproportionately impacts Indigenous peoples; the rate of suicide among First Nations is three times higher than among non-Indigenous Canadians, and nine times higher among Inuit. (2021 Canadian Mental Health Association, Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness)
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults between 15-34 years. (2021 Canadian Mental Health Association, Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness)
  • In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children receive appropriate mental health services. (2021 Canadian Mental Health Association, Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness)