Suicide is defined as intentional, self-inflicted death.

Experts in the field suggest that a suicidal person is feeling so much pain that they can see no other option. They feel that they are a burden to others, and in desperation see death as a way to escape their overwhelming pain and anguish. The suicidal state of mind has been described as constricted, filled with a sense of self-hatred, rejection, and hopelessness. Experts also know that suicidal ideation can be temporary, and that suicide is often preventable.

The World Health Organization projects that one million people will die from suicide this year - a global mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds. For a world map of suicide rates, and data for more than 100 countries, visit the World Health Organization website

It is estimated that approximately 4,000 Canadians (over 10 people per day) take their own lives every year. This translates into over 3 Million Canadians (family, friends, neighbours, co-workers etc.) who are affected by suicide each year.

1.7 percent of Canada's deaths in 1997 were suicides. In 1997, Canada's suicide rate was 12 per 100,000 while the death rate for motor vehicle crashes was 10 per 100,000. Canada's homicide rate was 2 per 100,000.

Every second day another Manitoban dies by suicide. That is approximately 183 people per year. For more information on suicide trends in Canada's provinces, click on http://www.suicideinfo.ca/csp/imgs/csp/faq8.jpg

The ratio of male to female suicide in Canada is approximately 4:1: four men complete suicide for every one woman. In 1997, 767 Canadian women and 2,914 men completed suicide.

In 1997, there were 261 deaths by suicide in Canada by youth aged 15 to 19 years. (207 males, 54 females) For those aged 20-24 years, there were 293 suicides including 257 males & 36 females, showing an even higher male to female gender ratio compared to the general population.

Data from Statistics Canada indicates that 229 children ages 5-14 completed suicide during the period 1993-1997.

No. Attempted suicide was removed from our Criminal Code in 1972. However, counselling suicide - sometimes referred to as aiding and abetting suicide - still remains a criminal act.

No. Although it is a commonly held belief that depression and suicide rates are higher at Christmas, research does not support the notion. In fact, some studies have shown a suppressing or protective factor for Christmas and other national holidays.

No, in fact a surprising number of people who complete suicide do not leave suicide notes. According to Canadian researcher Dr. A. Leenaars, who has extensively studied suicide notes, the percentage of those who leave notes varies from 12 to 37% percent.