With hundreds of Canadians attempting suicide each day and suicide rates in Canada on the rise, the statistics are staggering.

But suicide is preventable.

Most people who attempt suicide want to live, but are overcome with emotional pain and cannot see any other way to cope with what feels like an overwhelming or impossible situation. Most people who die by suicide give definite warning signs so learning to recognize these signs and how to respond to them is important.  

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On World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, learn what you can do to prevent suicide. Find out how to be helpful if someone is suicidal, what to say and who to call. If someone you know has died by suicide, find information and resources to help you cope. If you are thinking about suicide, get help immediately. 

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide, he or she should not be left alone. Find a local crisis centre or call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. Kids Help Phone is Canada's only national 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, web counselling, online chat and referral service for children and youth.

Or call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides free, confidential support for people in crisis or emotional distress, 24/7 year-round. The Lifeline also offers an online chat for people who prefer to reach out online rather than by phone.

Suicide Resources in Canada

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention

Kids Help Phone

Honouring Life Network: Source for Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Resources

Mind Your Mind

Survivors of Suicide Loss

Canadian Mental Health Association

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Ontario Assocation for Suicide Prevention

How to be Helpful When Someone is Suicidal

• Take all threats or attempts seriously
• Be aware and learn warning signs of suicide
• Be direct and ask if the person is thinking of suicide.  If the answer is yes, ask if the person has a plan and what the time line is.
• Be non-judgmental and empathic
• Do not minimize the feelings expressed by the person
• Do not be sworn to secrecy… seek out the support of appropriate professionals
• Ask if there is anything you can do
• Draw on resources in the person’s network
• Do not use clichés or try to debate with the person
• In an acute crisis take the person to an emergency room or walk in clinic or call a mobile crisis service if one is available
• Do not leave them alone until help is provided
• Remove any obvious means e.g. firearms, drugs or sharp objects) from the immediate vicinity
  
  International Association of Suicide Prevention