Frequently Asked Questions - Suicide

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or imminent crisis of suicide,  call 911.

Facts about suicide

• Thoughts of suicide are a common symptom of mood disorders
• 80% percent of suicides are carried out by individuals suffering from a depressive illness
• 50 to 80% percent of seniors who commit suicide have a history of major depression
• Women suffering through a depressive episode most often attempt suicide in the latter stages of the episode
• Women are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide than men, but men are more likely to die by suicide
• Men typically attempt suicide early in the depressive period

According to the World Health Organization, there were 3,613 suicides in Canada in 2004.

Older adults are at higher risk due to life changes and transitions through loss, lifestyle changes due to physical disability, a move from independent living to assisted living and social isolation and abuse. Warning signs: appetite changes, lack of participation in social events, signs of abuse and neglect.

Young people are at higher risk due to family and school pressures, major life changes, hormone changes, bullying and sexual orientation issues. Warning signs: eating disorders, deliberate self-harm, withdrawal from normal activities, exceptional and extreme mood swings, perfectionist behaviour or extreme self-critical behaviour

People who have recently had a major loss or life change are at higher risk, as grief can change to depression that may last several weeks or longer. Warning signs: major changes in attitude, changes in eating or sleeping habits, loss of energy or loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed.

Especially vulnerable are people who are recovering from an episode of depression or who have a history of suicide attempts, or who have just been released from the hospital.

Warning signs of suicide include:

• Unbearable feelings: depression can cause extreme feelings of hopelessness, despair and self-doubt. The more acute the feelings, the higher the suicide risk
• Putting affairs in order: making final plans, preparing wills or life insurance, or arranging for the family’s welfare
• Rehearsing suicide: seriously discussing one or more specific suicide methods, purchasing weapons or collecting large quantities of medication, or rationalizing suicide as a viable option
• Drug or alcohol abuse: intoxication may cause impulsive behaviour and make the person more likely to act on suicidal thoughts
• Isolation: cutting off friendships and social connections
• Sudden sense of calm: someone with an active mood disorder who has just passed an episode’s lowest point on the way to recovery. Suddenly appears calm and settled in such a way that is not in keeping with their state of recovery.

• If you are thinking of suicide, tell someone – a doctor, friend, family member,
  teacher
• If you are planning to commit suicide, get help right away – call 911.

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention

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