Some starting statistics, suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada..
February is Suicide Prevention Month.
Operations Manager for the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick Kristen Barnes says it’s important that we raise awareness on suicide. The public needs to know how to educate the public on this issue, and how to reach out and how to be supportive, and most importantly, how to recognize the signs.
Barnes says this is an issue that is hitting closer to home than many think, “If you look at the statistics, even locally, New Brunswick has the third highest suicide rate per capita in Canada.”
Barnes adds, “An average of 10 people die by suicide each day in Canada, Of the approximate 4000 suicides per year, we’re looking at 90 per cent who are living with a mental health issue or illness at the time.”
