Suicide – help during the holidays and year-round

Christmas is supposed to be a joyful time, but for families who have lost a love one it’s a painful reminder of the void left by their passing. For those who are dealing with the death by suicide of a parent, a sibling or a child, there is often the added anguish of confusion and “survivor’s guilt”.

Artist Eric Godin, whose 16-year old son put an end to his life four years ago, says “We can’t imagine all the collateral damage caused by a suicide. It’s awful, everyone is affected.”  And many Canadians are finding themselves facing such grief.

Older men most at risk

Suicide is the second cause of death in teenagers, after vehicle accidents.  Contrary to popular belief however, suicides in youth don’t account for the majority of fatalities.

“If we look at where the deaths happen, it’s really adults and overwhelmingly men,” says Sharon Casey, a trainer and consultant in suicide prevention at Suicide Action Montreal.

Even though suicide rates have been declining across the country in recent years, 3,890 people aged 10 and older took their own lives in Canada, in 2009 — the last year for which there are statistics.

In the province of Quebec, numbers show three people kill themselves every day.

But perhaps more striking is that according to some estimates, for every one person who dies, 20 have also tried to commit suicide.

More help needed, some say

Sharon Casey notes that mental illness is very often a factor, especially depression.

One in six Canadians accessed mental health services last year.  Although 67% felt their needs were met, Eric Godin believes provincial governments should invest more money into care.  “Mental health is grossly underfunded,” he says.

As reported by The Globe and Mail, it accounts for 7% of health dollars.  The Mental Health Commission recommended a 2% increase last year.

Help is available for people who are suicidal, for those who are concerned about a loved one or for bereaved families. There are hotlines in every province, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls are free.  But Suicide Action Montreal says it receives 23,000 calls annually and its resources are stretched.

Additional links:

–  Some of Canada’s suicide hotline numbers;

–  The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention’s Strategy;

–  Preventing suicide.