World Suicide
Prevention Day

September 10, 2023

This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, Creating Hope Through Action, is one that Living Hope: A Community Plan to Prevent Suicide in Edmonton, takes to heart. It is by taking action now that Edmontonians are actively creating a greater sense of hope for those struggling with thoughts of suicide. Our actions as individuals, communities, and organizations, no matter how big or small, provide hope and support during difficult times.

We can continue to create hope through action by reaching out to one another, learning ways to recognize and respond to suicide risk, and playing a role in reducing stigma. As a community we can continue to provide the timely supports and services needed to prevent suicide in Edmonton.

World Suicide Prevention Day is recognized in more than 60 countries and continues to raise awareness for the fact that suicides are preventable. The International Association for Suicide Prevention reminds us that through action “you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments - as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.”

Join the international conversation on suicide prevention on social media by using the #WSPD2023.

 

Key Messages

  • Suicide prevention remains a universal challenge. Every year approximately 4500 people in Canada, and 500 people in Alberta die by suicide.

  • For every suicide, 25 people make a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.

  • Every life lost represents someone’s partner, child, parent, friend or colleague. For each suicide approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected. 

  • Behind each suicide or attempted suicide a complex web of factors is at play. No single cause explains or predicts suicide. However, certain groups who experience overlapping biological, psychological, social and cultural risk factors can become vulnerable to suicide. At the same time, protective factors can reduce risk and build resilience among all people. 

  • Challenging as it is, recovery from suicidality is possible. While thoughts of suicide may continue intermittently throughout someone’s life, with appropriate caregiver support, social connectedness and hope, people can recover from suicidality.

For more information on the warning signs of suicide and how to start a conversation visit 11ofus.ca

It is important to say "died by suicide" rather than committed suicide. The term "committed" implies something morally reprehensible or illegal.

MYTH: Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal may encourage suicide attempts.

FACT: Talking about suicide with someone who may be suicidal reduces the risk that they may attempt.

 Edmonton Statistics 

In 2021, 129 people died by suicide in Edmonton Zone, 30 female and 99 male.

Note: When retrieving suicide death data select Injury > Age-Standardized Mortality Rates - by Geography > Suicide and Self Inflicted Injury (under ‘Injury Type’).

Training Opportunities

Living Hope: A Community Plan to Prevent Suicide in Edmonton offers a number of suicide prevention training opportunities to Edmontonians, free of charge. For course descriptions and training dates, visit 11ofus.ca/training-education/

Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM)
SPRAM is a web-based, interactive e-Learning series designed to respond to the foundational learning needs of health practitioners working in Addiction and Mental Health. Visit albertahealthservices.ca to take the training. 

Learning Opportunities 

Featured Events

The High Level Bridge

Sunday, September 10, 2023
The High Level Bridge will be lit Orange and Yellow on September 10th for World Suicide Prevention Day.

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Online Event

Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM MDT
With the upcoming launch of Canada’s three-digit 988 crisis service scheduled for November 30th, this year’s WSPD event will explore the vital role of crisis lines and feature unique speaker perspectives sharing on the theme, “What can we expect from 988?”
REGISTER →

Annual Bridge of Life Suicide Awareness / Prevention Candlelight Vigil

Sunday, September 10, 2023 YEG Mental Health welcomes Edmontonians to join them in Constable Enzio Ferrone Park on September 10 from 7pm to 8:30pm for a night of remembrance and awareness.
READ MORE →

 

Run for Life Virtual

September 16 - 23, 2023
The Centre for Suicide Prevention is holding their 6th annual Run for Life. Anyone is welcome to join them for a journey from darkness into light. Participate anywhere, at any time and in any way.
REGISTER →

 

Life After Suicide Loss

September 16, 2023
The Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region is providing a safe space for those bereaved due to suicide to share experiences, learn from one another, and to share stories related to suicide grief. READ MORE →

World Mental Health Day

October 10, 2023
A day to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts to support positive mental health.

An Evening to Remember

November 3, 2023
The Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region invites people of all ages to come together in a safe and supportive environment to commemorate lives lost to suicide. READ MORE →

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

November 18, 2023
An event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.
READ MORE →

Videos

Buddy Up

Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention communications

Tomorrow's Hope

First Nations youth suicide prevention motion comic created by and for First Nations and Métis youth. 

 

Strength of the Sash

Métis youth suicide prevention motion comic intended to help youth, their friends, families and trusted adults discuss youth suicide prevention.

Step Closer

A World Suicide Prevention Day Awareness Film - created by International Association for Suicide Prevention that aims to raise awareness about the importance of working together to prevent suicide. 

 

11ofUs video

11 of Us is a public awareness campaign developed as part of Living Hope: A Community Plan to Prevent Suicide in Edmonton. Public awareness is one of many activities laid out in Living Hope that together make up a comprehensive strategy for how suicide can be prevented.

AHS video 

 

We All Believe In You Documentary

We All Believe in You started as a portrait project and grew into an Edmonton based mental health organization that saves lives daily. Learn more about We All Believe In You HERE →

Brian’s Story, Men’s Sheds

Brian is an Edmonton senior who became connected to his community through the Downtown Edmonton Men's Shed. Learn more about Edmonton Men’s Sheds HERE →

 

Not suicide. Not today.

When we all say Not Today together, it's easier to say it when we're alone. This is a pledge—a promise—to do everything we can to prevent suicide and stop mental illness from destroying lives

 
 

For more videos on suicide prevention visit the multimedia page on the Centre for Suicide Prevention’s Website. 

 
 

For Those Who Have Lost Someone 

Why? Information for People Who Have Lost a Loved One to Suicide (CMHA)
DOWNLOAD PDF→     

Healing Your Spirit: Surviving After The Suicide Of A Loved One
DOWNLOAD PDF→        

Hope and Healing: A Guide for People Who Have Lost Someone to Suicide
DOWNLOAD PDF→

Toolkit for people who have been impacted by suicide loss (MHCC)
DOWNLOAD PDF→

 

Do You or Someone You Know Need Help?

Distress Line:
780-482-HELP (4357)

Brite Line (2SLGBTQIA+ All Ages Support Line):
1-844-70-BRITE (27483)

Access 24/7:
780-424-2424

Mental Health Help Line:
1-877-303-2642

Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous Support Line):
1-855-242-3310

Crisis Services Canada Suicide Prevention and Support:
1-833-456-4566 or text 45645

 

Not Sure Who to Call? Call 211

If you see someone in distress, you can help before emergency services are needed by calling 211 and pressing 3.