Manitoba's suicide rate is recorded at approximately 13.9 per 100,000 residents.
That far exceeds the national average of 10.9 people per 100,000. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Manitoba youth. It particularly impacts those aged 10 to 17 and young adults.
Men account for approximately 75% of suicide deaths. September is Suicide Prevention Month.
It's important to continue educating people to be aware of suicide and be equipped to engage in suicide prevention. If you feel someone in your life is struggling, it's important to open the conversation. Some of the warning signs include high levels of stress.
This could come from a breakup, financial stress, or grief and loss.
Rod Seib with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Swan River says people often don't so much want to die when thinking about suicide; they simply want to be free of the pain. That's why if you or anyone you know is struggling, it's critical to reach out.
Even if you don't want to speak with a professional, Seib says talking to a loved one is a great first step.
"If someone struggles with something alone, it's very easy to have distorted thoughts or thinking," said Seib. "So just connecting with another person, whether it's an individual or in a support group, you get to get more of a perspective on what's happening."
The Suicide Crisis Helpline is 9-8-8. If you do need help, the Canadian Mental Health Association has several resources. See them here.
Seib understands reaching out can be hard. Sometimes a listening ear can make a world of difference for someone in pain.
"Loneliness isn't so much a fact as simply an experience," added Seib. "Often we can feel lonely and disconnected. Reaching out, even though it may be difficult, can be the first step to giving a person the experience and understanding that they're not alone."
The Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line can be reached at 1-877-435-7170. Klinic Community Health, which offers counselling, says the theme from 2024 to 2026 has been 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide'. It's about more open conversations, reducing stigma, and making it easier to talk about suicide and find support.
Remember, if you're struggling, you're not alone. Even if you think you are, your path to recovery could be a conversation away.
