The topic of suicide has been top of mind for many over the past couple of weeks. With the news that a well-known comedian decided to take his own life, social and print media, radio and television programs have devoted much time and space to the issue. But mental health issues, and suicide in particular, are often shrouded in a cloud of secrecy, a function of the stigma attached.
Awareness-raising campaigns aim to de-stigmatize mental health issues by creating dialogue and dispelling popularly held myths. One such initiative is World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, which occurs this year on September 15, 2014. Nellie’s is devoting September’s blog to recognizing this day and acknowledging that suicide differentially impacts women in very specific ways.
In 2009, there were 3,890 suicides in Canada, or 11.5 suicides per 100,000 people. The suicide rate for males was 3 times higher than for females (17.9 versus 5.3 per 100,000). But looking only at the rate of completed suicides provides a very partial picture. The term “gender paradox of suicidal behaviour” is used to describe the fact that women attempt suicide 3-4 times more than men and are hospitalized in general hospitals for attempts 1.5 times more than men. Moreover, certain groups of women are at an increased risk for suicide: the rate of suicide among Aboriginals is twice the national rate; the rate of suicide among Aboriginal women is three times the national rate.
Studies show a clear connection between suicide attempts and history of sexual abuse; this correlation is twice as strong for women as it is for men. Intimate partner violence is also a strong risk factor for suicide attempts. This suggests that a gendered perspective that accounts for women’s experiences of violence is critical to interventions that seek to reduce suicidal behaviour and address mental health concerns.[1]
Nellie’s sets out its approach to mental health in its position paper. Consistent with its commitment to an anti-oppression practice, Nellie’s approach is non-judgemental and recognizes that mental health must be understood in the context of the social conditions of women’s lives. Nellie’s provides information and referrals to women who identify themselves as in need of support, and seeks to assist women pursue options they see as best addressing their unique needs.
With information from Statistics Canada, Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention, and The Source – Women’s Health Data Directory.
[1]Devries, Karen M. and Maureen Seguin. “Violence against Women and Suicidality: Does Violence Cause Suicidal Behaviour?”Violence against Women and Mental Health. Spec. issue of Key Issues Ment Health 178 (2013): 148-158.
