Suicide

Suicide

It’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide.

What leads to suicide?

There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Apps

Warning Signs of Suicide

Talk

Not using at all.

Behaviour

When a person tries substances for the first few times. They maybe curious, want to fit in or believe that nothing bad will happen.

Mood

The person seeks out and uses a substance to enhance a social occasion. Use is irregular, infrequent and usually occurs with others.

Suicide Risk Factors

Health Factors

Mental health Conditions

  • depression
  • substance use problems
  • bipolar disorder
  • schizophrenia
  • personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships
  • conduct disorder
  • anxiety disorders
  • serious physical health conditions including pain
  • traumatic brain injury

Environmental Factors

  • Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs.
  • Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment.
  • Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss.
  • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide.

Historical Factors

  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

Helpful Apps

Breathr: Mindful Moments

FREE

An app to help introduce the concept of mindfulness and create an easy access point for those who are new to this practice. Try out a variety of mindfulness practices, while also teaching them interesting facts about the brain science behind these practices.

Headspace: Meditation & Sleep 

$$

Meditate and sleep soundly. Headspace is your guide to practicing mindfulness in your everyday life. Learn how to relax, manage stress, and focus your energy to become more centered and well rested. Create a calm and positive environment with Headspace.

Calm: Sleep & Meditation 

$$

Calm is for anyone, whether you’re brand new to meditation or a seasoned expert. It’s also for anyone who needs a mental break, a soothing sound, or a peaceful night’s rest. Guided meditations are available in lengths of 3 to 25 minutes.

Suicide Resources

Depression and Anxiety Self-Management

01 Sep, 2022
A resource by Alberta Health Services providing helpful suggestions on managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Things to know about Counselling

11 Jan, 2022
Counselling agencies typically don’t require a referral. Most therapists don’t either, unless it’s need it for insurance purposes. To see a psychiatrist, you will need a referral from your family doctor or go to emergency if in crisis. Counsellors and therapists that work for the health authority can be accessed for free; private counsellors and therapists may have a fee. If you have any employee benefits, check to see if these services may be covered. What should I remember in my doctor or counselling appointment?: • Be proud of yourself. • Be honest and open. • Ask for clarity. • Write your questions in advance of your appointment. • Keep notes. Here are a few questions you may want to ask your doctor/counsellor: • When should I come back? • How often will I be seen? • How long will treatment last? • What are the most important things I can do to feel better? • What are my treatment options? • If medication is prescribed, what is the medicine designed to do? • How fast will it work? • What are some possible side effects? 

Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt

07 Dec, 2021
A toolkit designed for people with lived experience related to a suicide attempt. The Mental Health Commission of Canada have developed toolkits to support people who have been impacted by suicide.

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

07 Dec, 2021
Help working through your grief and dealing with practical matters when someone you love dies by suicide.

Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide loss

07 Dec, 2021
A toolkit designed for people with lived experience related to a suicide loss.

Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

07 Dec, 2021
We need to have meaningful conversations in the workplace about suicide, to provide support and resources, and to bring hope to someone who may be struggling with the thought of suicide. Use this guide to navigate those difficult conversations.
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