Today in Canada 12 people will end their lives by suicide.

For each death by suicide, the World Health Organization estimates 10 people are deeply affected. In Canada, 12 deaths by suicide will leave up to 120 people in a state of bereavement. Beyond these people, up to 120 additional people will also affected by the death. 

To be certain, suicide is a critical public health issue in Canada.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults (15-34 years old).

Based on data from the Public Health Agency of Canada, 12% of Canadians have thought about suicide in their lifetime and 3.1% have attempted suicide in their lifetime.

Males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females, with higher rates prevailing as a consistent trend.

Although men are more likely to die by suicide, females are three times more likely to attempt to end their lives. In addition, women are hospitalized 1.5 times more often than males for suicide-related behaviors. This discrepancy may be due to the fact that females tend to use less immediately lethal methods.