Facts & Signs

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults between the ages of 15-34 in Canada.

1 in 7 young people in Canada report having suicidal thoughts.

About 4,000 Canadians per year die by suicide—an average of almost 11 suicides a day. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

An estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness—yet, less than 20 percent will receive appropriate treatment.

Average wait times for children and youth are 67 days for counseling and therapy and 92 days for intensive treatment.

In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children receive appropriate mental health services.

The Signs

  • Increased use of drugs or alcohol 

  • Extreme mood swings

  • Withdrawal or isolation from once enjoyable people/activities

  • Aggressive or violent behaviour

  • Decreased or increased performance (school, work, hobbies, sports)

  • Self-neglect (appearance or hygiene)

  • Risky, impulsive activities

  • Changes in energy level (up or down)

  • Complaints about health

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Decreased, increased or otherwise disturbed eating and/or sleeping

Behaviours to watch for:

  • Death of a loved one, especially by suicide

  • A key relationship unraveling or ending

  • Instability or turmoil at home/in family

  • A severe change in social status 

  • Unemployment, loss of a highly valued ability or activity

  • Trauma from sexual assault, illness, or injury

  • Major financial/economic loss

Extraneous events or losses to watch for:

Additional indicators strongly associated with suicidality:

  • Death of a loved one, especially by suicide

  • A key relationship unraveling or ending

  • Instability or turmoil at home/in family

  • A severe change in social status 

  • Unemployment, loss of a highly valued ability or activity

  • Trauma from sexual assault, illness, or injury

  • Major financial/economic loss