Suicide Prevention & Mental Health

We Need To Talk About It

Suicide never leaves behind a simple narrative. Depression and diseases of the brain arise from a complexity of factors that are often misunderstood. In his memoir, Darkness Visible, William Styron writes: “Depression is a disorder of mood; so mysteriously painful and elusive in the way it becomes known to the self. To the mediating intellect, as to verge close to being beyond description.”

The Facts

  • Roughly 4,000 deaths by suicide in Canada every year.
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people, globally.
  • In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children receive appropriate mental health support.
  • In Canada, suicide disproportionately impacts Indigenous peoples; the rate of suicide among First Nations is three times higher than among non-Indigenous Canadians, and nine times higher among Inuit. (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2021)

What We Need To Know Now

Suicide continues to be the second leading cause of death in 15- to 34-year-olds, globally, with males dying by suicide at higher rates than females. While there has never been greater awareness around mental health, mental illness and suicide, suicide rates continue to rise.

“Research indicates that health care providers need to separate intervening in the acute, transitory suicidal state from other efforts to treat underlying mental health disorders/addictions. In other words, detection and treatment of underlying condition still is necessary but not sufficient to reduce suicides. A person has to be helped to stay alive until treatment works and any deadly impulses abate.”
Dr. L Sederer Dr. Jay Carruthers, How Doctors Think: Suicide Prevention

The Future of Suicide Prevention

Keane’s focus has evolved from anti-stigma to suicide prevention and public policy interest. Keane has campaigned and supported Timmins-James Bay MP, Charlie Angus (NDP) bid to have the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP)’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy recognized by the Federal Government, and to ensure an increase in funding to support access to treatment and youth suicide prevention centers in all regions of Canada. In small and meaningful interactions every day, Keane works to positively influence young lives.

Youth Mental Health / Survivor of Suicide Loss Resources

Youth Mental Health

Mental Health

Survivor Support