“Talking about suicide saves lives”

QMI agency

Sunday 4 February 2018 13:30

UPDATE
Sunday 4 February 2018 13:33

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The kick-off of the Week of suicide prevention has been given, Sunday, under the theme “Talking about suicide saves lives”.

“We want to focus on a fundamental element of the prevention that is taking the floor. […] That one did not go well or that there are concerns for a loved one, this is the first thing to do. The first step is to talk about it”, explained the director general of the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS), Jérôme Gaudreault, in an interview with LCN.

In order to help people to address the issue in their entourage, the AQPS has launched a new website (commentparlerdusuicide.com) on which users find a wealth of advice.

According to the most recent data available, 1128 persons were taken away the life in Quebec in 2015, or 13.2 citizens per 100 000 inhabitants.

The men continue to be overrepresented in these statistics, while they are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. The AQPS is currently seeking to address, before all, men of age 45 to 64 years with its campaign, since they are less likely to ask for help.

Furthermore, the Association noted that the rate of suicide among young people is lower than among their elders, with approximately nine suicides per 100 000 inhabitants. “There really have been some efforts that have been made since the turn of the years 2000 to better identify the distress among young people, particularly in the school environment”, mentioned Mr. Gaudreault.

The Week of suicide prevention is taking place until 10 February.

If you or a loved one are in distress, it is possible, at any time, call toll-free at 1 866 CALLS (277-3553).