The message from the World Health Organization is that suicides are preventable.
September 10th was chosen as the day to focus on reducing stigma and to raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public around suicides and suicide prevention. The goal of this is to prevent suicides and improve mental health in society.
Here are some facts about suicides:
- It is estimated that there are more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide
- The global suicide rate is over twice as high among men than women
- Over half (58%) of all deaths by suicide occur before the age of 50 years old
- An individual suffering with depression is twenty times more likely to die by suicide than someone without the disorder. Suicide and attempted suicide is still considered illegal in at least 23 countries worldwide. Criminalising suicide exacerbates the distress for those who attempt suicide, creating an additional layer of fear and stigma
The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024–2026 is Changing the Narrative on Suicide with the call to action: Start the Conversation. This theme aims to:
- Raise Awareness about the importance of reducing stigma
- Changing the Narrative on suicide is about changing the way we perceive this issue
- Shifting from a culture of silence and shame to one of understanding and support
- Encourage open conversations to prevent suicides
- Start the Conversation encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention
- Every conversation surrounding this topic contributes to breaking down the barriers that entrap victims of suicide
- By initiating conversation around these topics, we can create a healthier and safer culture around mental health in our community
The Loneliness Epidemic
The loneliness epidemic is rapidly spreading across Canada. The two largest groups affected by this are older adults and vulnerable populations.
In 2021, the Canadian Social Survey reported that more than 1 in 10 people, age 15 and older, said that they always or often felt lonely. The survey results revealed that those who were frequently lonely reported poorer mental health and lower levels of overall life satisfaction than those who were lonely less often. Young people in Canada expressed experiencing loneliness more frequently than older people. Among youth, age 15 to 24, nearly 1 in 4 (23%) said they always or often felt lonely.
In August and September 2021, close to half (49%) of those who said that they always or often felt lonely reported that their mental health was either fair or poor.
The United States’ Surgeon General highlighted this issue in a 2023 report, stating that loneliness can have severe impacts on our health, similar to smoking several cigarettes a day. It can also lead to premature dementia, obesity, anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidality.
Here are some simple solutions to tackle this silent adversary:
- Stay connected: schedule regular video calls, messages or even letters to maintain bonds with friends and family, despite physical distances
- Community engagement: attend events, join clubs or volunteer. Shared activities can lead to new friendships and lessen feelings of isolation
- Physical activity: regular exercise can boost your mood and health. Join a gym, take up a sport, join a fitness class, or simply go for walks
- Seek support: talk to mental health professionals. They can provide strategies and resources for coping with loneliness
- Be open: share your feelings with trusted individuals. You’re likely to find others have felt the same way and can offer support or advice
How CHV Supports Youth Mental Health
Homelessness and mental health are intertwined in complex ways. Many individuals experiencing homelessness are also grappling with mental health issues, and conversely, homelessness can exacerbate mental health struggles.
At Covenant House Vancouver, we understand the link between homelessness and mental health and are dedicated to providing support and resources to youth experiencing homelessness. Not only do we offer a range of services that include shelter, food, clothing, and medical care, but our holistic approach to our services includes supporting youth with their mental health needs.
- Safe and Supportive Shelter: Covenant House Vancouver is a safe and welcoming shelter for young people in need. Having a secure place to sleep and access to necessities is a critical first step in stabilizing the lives of homeless youth.
- Mental Health Services: Recognizing the significance of mental health in breaking the cycle of homelessness, we offer comprehensive mental health support. This includes counselling, therapy, and access to psychiatric care. We provide a space where young people can talk about their struggles, trauma, and anxieties in a non-judgmental environment.
- Skill Development: Life skills are a critical component in empowering youth and helping them regain independence and move towards a brighter future. These skills include education, job training, cooking, budgeting, personal hygiene and self-care, and assistance with finding employment.
- Holistic Approach: Our approach to healing is holistic, which means that we address, not only the immediate needs of youth, but also their needs for their long-term well-being. This approach aims to restore dignity and hope to those who have lost it.
- CHV’s Music Room: Music can create significant improvements in mental health. Playing a musical instrument involves both sides of your brain. This helps improve memory, increases grey matter, and can help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. The music room at CHV is a safe space where youth can go to learn an instrument, improve their skills, and improve peer relationships, by playing together.
- CHV’s Gym, Fitness Room and Wellness Room: Youth are able to take part in a variety of activities from spirited team sports that foster friendly competition to quiet meditation. Youth can also work on their cardio fitness and strength development, trauma-sensitive yoga, and stretching. Individuals have the opportunity to not only strengthen their body but to set goals, create routines, practice self-care, and embrace various relaxation techniques while enjoying the peace and calm that surrounds them.
Together, we’re working to create judgment-free, safe spaces where youth are empowered, valued, respected, and loved—one step, one stretch, and one breath at a time.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention also offers some resources for how to take action to prevent suicide. If you suspect that someone that you know may be experiencing some mental health challenges, “Take Time to Reach Out.” You can also explore some of their suggested activities for World Suicide Prevention Day.