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

9^th leading cause of death in Canada

1. Cancer
2. Heart disease
3. Stroke
4. Respiratory disease
5. Unintentional injuries
6. Diabetes
7. Alzheimer’s disease
8. Influenza + pneumonia
9. Suicide
10. Kidney disease

Across the life span

Children and youth (10 to 19 years)

• Suicide 2^nd 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 2^nd 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.