Life Promotion, Suicide Risk and Prevention

Suicide Crisis Line: Call or text 9-8-8.

Suicide, suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide affect the health and wellbeing of individuals, of their families, friends, colleagues, and communities, and of society.

Suicide is preventable.

Suicide is rarely caused by a single factor. Many factors at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels can increase or decrease the possibility that a person will attempt suicide.

Preventing suicide requires strategies at all levels. Everyone can help prevent suicide by using suicide-safe language, learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and committing to social change.

What is the EOHU doing?

  • In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Champlain East, the EOHU co-chairs the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Champlain East. The Coalition’s three key priorities of education, awareness and engagement in suicide prevention aim to create suicide-safer communities. The EOHU hosts ReachOutNow.ca in partnership with the Coalition.
  • The EOHU also promotes World Suicide Prevention Day initiatives and other suicide prevention and life promotion related messaging and initiatives, including evidence-based training and education, supports and resources.

Life promotion changes the dialogue of illness into one of wellness.

Life promotion, which arises from Indigenous traditional knowledge, encourages a sense of meaning, purpose, belonging, and hope. Suicide prevention efforts and resources can create safer environments. Combining suicide prevention and life promotion practices can best help meet the needs of people.

Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

After accidents, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. It is among the top 4 leading causes of death for people ages 35-59 and top 10 for all age groups combined (Statistics Canada, 2022)

Every year in Canada, there are approximately:

Graphic of pyramid showing the following statistics from top to bottom: 4500 deaths by suicide; 20,000 hospitalizations due to self-harm; 100,000 people who made a suicide attempt; 250,000 people who made suicide plans; 840,000 people who had serious thoughts of suicide. This corresponds to 12 deaths by suicide every day.

Source: Suicide, self-harm, and suicide-related behaviours in Canada: Key statistics, Health Infobase, Government of Canada, 2023

Talking about suicide is important.

Silence or insensitivity can make matters worse. Talking about suicide in a hopeful and respectful way has the power to save lives.

So, be direct. Talking to someone about suicide won’t cause or increase suicidal thoughts or cause the person to act on them. It can help them feel less isolated and scared.

Whether it’s on social media, or privately with family and friends, using suicide-safe language can reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.

9-8-8 provides help when people need it the most.

If you’re thinking about suicide, struggling to understand or cope with suicidal thoughts, or worried about someone else, call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime.

You can help.

Anyone can experience a mental health problem, including thoughts of suicide. These resources are designed to help you prepare, prevent, and respond if someone you know experiences thoughts of suicide.

For anyone

For young people

For parents and families

For older adults

For organizations