Our society needs to talk more openly about suicide. However, public discussion of suicide carries risks, and it’s crucial that such discussion be informed, sensitive and alert to potential harm.
With child and adolescent mental health problems on the rise, here is a step-by-step guide for caregivers for recognizing signs of mental distress and responding with support and resources.
The focus of suicide prevention is shifting toward protective factors: characteristics that make it less likely that individuals will consider, attempt or die by suicide.
Suicide deaths involving firearms have increased over last decade.
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Sen. John Fetterman’s admission to a hospital for mental health treatment has set off an important national discussion about the need to reduce stigmas around mental illness.
As Canadians weigh the pros and cons of alcohol use, they should be thinking not just about the risks to their physical health, but also to their mental health.
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Public policies should be looking to increase awareness of the link between alcohol and suicide and to assess and treat problematic alcohol use as a way to prevent suicide.
Suicide attempts have risen dramatically among Black youths in recent years.
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Self-blame was found to be associated with experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The planned expansion of Canada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) law to include people with mental illnesses whose death is not imminent has been delayed, but not cancelled.
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Canada’s planned expansion of MAID to mental illness is based on ignorance — if not outright disregard — of fundamental suicide prevention principles.
People with FASD experience a range of vulnerabilities both from the impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure on the brain and body, and from the adverse life experiences commonly associated with this disability.
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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a multifaceted disorder. There are complex reasons why this population may be at higher risk for suicide, suicide attempts and suicidal ideation.
If we consider suicide rates within age groups, men over 85 are at three times the average risk. We should make sure older men have ways to express when they’re not coping and seek help.
Healthy relationships have a positive influence on men’s health and mental health. Prioritizing relationship skills for men is one way to approach the global crisis in male suicide.
The link between antidepressant use and increases in suicidal thoughts or behaviors among treated youth is unproven.
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Individuals who experience suicidal thoughts can show signs of this in the language they use. We analysed more than 100 suicide notes to find these language patterns.
Despite more spending on mental health services, suicide rates continue to climb. So in light of two major new reports released this week, we need to rethink our strategy to save lives.
Principal Research Fellow, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University