Suicide in Canada: infographic
Current context
An average of 10 people die by suicide each day in Canada
Of the approx. 4000 deaths by suicide each year, more than 90% were living with a mental health problem or illness
9th leading cause of death in Canada
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Respiratory disease
- Unintentional injuries
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Influenza + pneumonia
- Suicide
- Kidney disease
Across the life span
Children and youth (10 to 19 years)
- Suicide 2nd leading cause of death
- Males account for 41% of 10-14 year old suicides, increasing to 70% of 15-19 year olds
- Self-harm hospitalizations 72% females
Young adults (20 to 29 years)
- Suicide 2nd leading cause of death
- Males account for 75% of suicides
- Self-harm hospitalizations 58% females
Adults (30 to 44 years)
- Suicide 3rd leading cause of death
- Males account for 75% of suicides
- Self-harm hospitalizations 56% females
Adults (45 to 64 years)
- Suicide 7th leading cause of death
- Males account for 73% of suicides
- Highest suicide rate across lifespan observed among males 45 to 59 years
- Self-harm hospitalizations 56% females
Seniors (65+ years)
- Suicide 12th leading cause of death
- Males account for 80% of suicides
- Males aged 85+ experience the highest rate of suicides among seniors
- Self-harm hospitalizations 52% females
For every 1 suicide death there are:
- 5 self-inflicted injury hospitalizations
- 25-30 attempts
- 7-10 people profoundly affected by suicide loss
Public Health Agency of Canada analysis of Statistics Canada Vital Statistics Death Database and Canadian Institute for Health Information Hospital Morbidity Database. Published data underestimate the total number of deaths by suicide, due, in part, to the stigma of suicide and other factors that may lead family members, health professionals, coroners, and others to avoid labeling or reporting deaths as suicides.

There is hope
Suicide can be prevented. Help is out there. You are not alone.
If you are in crisis
- Contact a call centre in Canada near you: www.suicideprevention.ca/thinking-about-suicide/find-a-crisis-centre/
- Call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
- Find someone you trust and let them know
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