WE DO NOT PROVIDE CRISIS SERVICES
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
SUICIDE IN SIMCOE MUSKOKA
Suicide is a complex and preventable public health issue, that affects Canadians of all ages, sexes, genders, ethnicities, income levels, and regions. Suicide is a leading cause of death among Simcoe Muskoka residents. Males 45 to 64 years of age experience the highest rates of suicide in Simcoe Muskoka. Males in Simcoe Muskoka die by suicide, more than three times as often than females.
Source: Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit HealthSTATS
RISK FACTORS
While there is no single cause that explains or predicts suicide, there are a combination of factors associated with suicide, such as:
• physical health
• personal issues and loss
• childhood abuse and neglect
• exposure to trauma (personal, occupational, intergenerational etc.)
• family history of suicide
• prior suicide attempt
• alcohol and/or substance use
• access to lethal means
• mental illness
Source: Adapted from the Government of Canada’s Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, 2020
SUICIDE PREVENTION CONTINUUM
Effective suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that works across a continuum. This includes:
• building protective factors and reducing risk factors (prevention)
• responding to someone with suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours (intervention)
• supporting those impacted by a loss or experience of suicide (postvention)
Suicide prevention requires a collaborative approach that brings together all levels of government, organizations, local communities, and individuals.
Source: Adapted from the Government of Canada’s Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, 2020
The health unit works in partnership with local community organizations and individuals in an effort to prevent suicides in our communities.
We:
- Work with Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council to increase awareness of resources and supports on suicide.
- Network with provincial and national organizations with shared missions and values.
- Provide access to data and resources for community stakeholders.
What Matters to Your Health
Mental health supports for children
Mental health supports for adults
Know the signs of suicide ideation in others and feel confident to reach out.
Know about resources like 9-8-8 to call if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
