Workplace Suicide Prevention

Suicide has no boundaries. It can affect our families, friends and colleagues. Each year, approximately 4500 people in Canada die by suicide. ¹

• 45% of emergency department visits for self-harm or suicide are adults aged 20-39 ².
• 3 out of every 4 suicide deaths are males — 45% of these are 40-64 years of age ².
• For every death by suicide, at least 7 to 10 survivors are significantly affected by the loss ¹.

If you or someone you know is currently at immediate risk, dial 911.

¹ Government of Canada, Suicide in Canada: Key Statistics, 2023
² Alberta Health Services - Let’s Talk About Suicide, 2023 

Buddy Up

The University is a champion for the Buddy Up program. Buddy Up is a suicide prevention campaign offered through the Centre for Suicide Prevention which is a call to action by men for men. The campaign encourages partners, colleagues, friends and family to create opportunities for conversations about mental health and suicide.

Risk Factors

• Family history of suicide.
• Stressful life events (e.g. leaving home for the first time, family changes).
• Living with a serious illness or injury.
• Seriously injuring or causing the death of another (e.g. motor vehicle accident).
• Suffering a major loss of a friend, family member, relationship or possession.
• Fear, embarrassment, or humiliation (e.g. failing school, job loss, not meeting others' expectations).
• Substance abuse.

Warning Signs

There are no guaranteed predictors for suicide. However, there are important warning signs to recognize:

• History of previous threats or attempts.
• Preoccupation with death and/or dying.
• Talking about suicide or death.
• Taking unnecessary risks.
• Giving away possessions or cherished items.
• Change in personality or behaviour.
• Change in sleeping patterns or eating habits.
• Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed.
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair.
• Loss of self-esteem.
• Increased use of substances (e.g. alcohol, drugs).
• Family disruptions (e.g. separation, divorce, death, separated by distance).

How I Can Help

• Talk about it - Talking about suicide will help remove the stigma and encourage people to reach out for help.
• Educate yourself on the risk factors, warning signs, and available resources.
• Trust your instincts and follow through with action if you have suspicions about someone you know.
• Be alert to changes in behaviour.
• If someone's intentions are unclear, ask for clarification, ask if they have a plan.
• Have an open, honest, and frank discussion.
• Listen without judgment.
• Allow the person to talk freely.
• Acknowledge their feelings.
• Ask if there is anything you can do.
• Remain calm, supportive, and patient.
• Be genuine and honest in your concern.
• Encourage and support them in seeking assistance from a mental health/medical professional. Offer to make the call for them.
• Stay with them or make a plan with the person for the next few hours or days.
• If they are reluctant to get help, be firm in your intentions to get assistance for them.
• Contact 911 if the individual is posing a threat to themselves or others.