Trends in Youth Suicide
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian youth following motor vehicle collisions. However, while youth suicide is of great concern, figures do not indicate an epidemic.
Canadian statistics
Each year, on average, 294 youth die by suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24, following motor vehicle collisions. Although suicide rates for 10- to 19-year-olds have remained consistently below the overall suicide rates, suicides in this age group began to rise in the early 1960s and tripled by the late 1970s. In recent years, the rate for 15- to 19-year-olds has begun to approach the general population's rate of 13 per 100,000. Suicide rates for 10- to 14-year-olds have also increased, but remain below 2.5 per 100,000. Studies show a significant percentage of adolescents contemplate, plan or attempt suicide without seeking or receiving help. Males are less likely than females to seek help from any source.
Alberta statistics
In 2003, there were two suicides in Alberta among youth aged 14 or younger and 15 among youth aged 15 to 19. (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Province of Alberta, 2005)
Although these numbers may seem small, every life was significant to someone. To put the issue of suicide in perspective, research shows that in Alberta, for every death by suicide:
- approximately 50 people will engage in some kind of suicidal behaviour, and
- at least 1,000 people will have thought of suicide at some point in their lives.
Taking all non-fatal suicidal behaviours and deaths by suicide together, the incidence of suicide becomes an significant public issue that requires everyone's involvement in prevention.
More statistics on youth suicide
Note: each link listed below opens in a new browser.
◊ Office of the Medical Examiner, Province of Alberta
◊ Statistics Canada
◊ American Association of Suicidology
◊ World Health Organization
Trends in Youth Suicide
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian youth following motor vehicle collisions. However, while youth suicide is of great concern, figures do not indicate an epidemic.
Canadian statistics
Each year, on average, 294 youth die by suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24, following motor vehicle collisions. Although suicide rates for 10- to 19-year-olds have remained consistently below the overall suicide rates, suicides in this age group began to rise in the early 1960s and tripled by the late 1970s. In recent years, the rate for 15- to 19-year-olds has begun to approach the general population's rate of 13 per 100,000. Suicide rates for 10- to 14-year-olds have also increased, but remain below 2.5 per 100,000. Studies show a significant percentage of adolescents contemplate, plan or attempt suicide without seeking or receiving help. Males are less likely than females to seek help from any source.
Alberta statistics
In 2003, there were two suicides in Alberta among youth aged 14 or younger and 15 among youth aged 15 to 19. (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Province of Alberta, 2005)
Although these numbers may seem small, every life was significant to someone. To put the issue of suicide in perspective, research shows that in Alberta, for every death by suicide:
- approximately 50 people will engage in some kind of suicidal behaviour, and
- at least 1,000 people will have thought of suicide at some point in their lives.
Taking all non-fatal suicidal behaviours and deaths by suicide together, the incidence of suicide becomes an significant public issue that requires everyone's involvement in prevention.
More statistics on youth suicide
Note: each link listed below opens in a new browser.
◊ Office of the Medical Examiner, Province of Alberta
◊ Statistics Canada
◊ American Association of Suicidology
◊ World Health Organization