Sudbury area suicide rate higher than provincial average

With the federal government moving to set up a national suicide crisis help line in November, Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) has revealed that the rate of suicide in the Sudbury area in recent years is far higher than the provincial rate.

Information from the health unit was provided with data from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario (OCC) for the five-year period from 2018 to 2022. 

In that time, there were 162 deaths by suicide among residents of Greater Sudbury, Sudbury District, and Manitoulin, said the PHSD communications office.

"That is an average of 32 per year. The annual counts range from a high of 39 in 2019 to a low of 22 in 2020," said Public Health.

This works out to 17.4 deaths per 100,000 population (ages 10+) per year, locally in Sudbury, said PHSD. The rate in Northeastern Ontario was even higher, at 18.9 deaths per 100,000 population (ages 10+) per year.

"Both the local and regional rates are significantly higher than the rate reported for Ontario overall, which was 11.4 deaths per 100,000 population (ages 10+) per year," said Public Health.

In Sudbury, the rate of suicides have identified 73.9 per cent as males, with 26.1 per cent being females, said PHSD.

By age groups, PHSD said the breakdown is as follows:

• 10–19 years:  6.2 per cent
• 20–44 years: 42.6 per cent
• 45–64 years: 34.6 per cent
• 65+ years: 16.7 per cent

The health unit said all the numbers, especially those for recent years, should be considered preliminary and are subject to change.

Talking about suicide is the best way to improve “understanding and awareness and helps people to share their experiences," said Public Health. 

PHSD added that "talking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide". A compassionate community that is prepared to assist people struggling with thoughts of suicide makes it easier for individuals to feel comfortable and come forward to seek help, said Public Health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling your local crisis or suicide helpline. For the Sudbury crisis line, the 24/7 phone number is 705-675-4760. Talk Suicide Canada is also available 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566, said the statement from PHSD.

A news release this week from the office of Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, said work is progressing on the creation of a new three-digit Suicide Crisis Helpline, that will be put in place across Canada.

Serré's office said the 9-8-8 number is expected to be in service by November 30, 2023.

The new 9-8-8 service will be delivered by a network of partner crisis and distress lines across Canada, which are to be coordinated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), said a federal news release.

The service will be delivered by trained crisis responders using evidence and best practices and informed by ongoing engagement with organizations representing populations most affected by suicide. 

Responders will be trained to support callers and texters facing a suicide- related crisis or in emotional distress.

Len Gillis covers health care and mining for Sudbury.com.