Reliable Saskatchewan research indicates that in any given year:
- 100,000 people will suffer from Depression, 50,000 (5.3%) of them with Major Depressive Disorder.
(NIMH) - 8.3% of the adolescent population will exhibit signs of Major Depression (over 50% higher than the adult population) - translating to over 7,000 in Saskatchewan's Grade 7-12 population.
(Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter) - 90% of suicides involve mental disorders, primarily untreated depression.
(NIMH) - 60,000 people will consider suicide as an option (6% of the population).
(Living Works) - 10,000+ will act on that option with some type of suicidal behaviour.
(Living Works) - A disproportionately high percentage of these suicidal behaviours occur in teenagers and young adults.
- In a given year
- 19% of high school students consider suicide.
- 12.7% make plans to carry it out.
- 2.5% make suicidal attempts requiring medical attention.
U.S. Centre for Disease Control (Atlanta)
- Saskatchewan has the highest per capita rate of attempted suicides of any Canadian province.
(StatsCan) - In 1995-1999 an average of 135 Saskatchewan residents per year completed suicide.
(SaskHealth) - Information and support are key to the early diagnosis and treatment of depression and other mental disorders.
- Early diagnosis and treatment leads to vastly improved quality of life, and lessens the risk of suicide.
- Knowledge and skills acquired through Suicide Awareness Presentations and Suicide Intervention workshops help keep people alive.
(Statistics courtesy of Friends for Life) - see Disclaimer