In 2023, Alberta suicide deaths decreased

According to preliminary data from Alberta Justice, the number of suicide deaths in the province is on the decline, indicating fewer deaths in 2023 than in previous years.

Two hundred and forty-seven people took their own lives in Alberta last year – 339 fewer deaths than in 2022, which recorded 586 deaths by suicide.

Total number of suicides in Alberta
2019	604
2020	622
2021*	601
2022*	586
2023*	247
*Preliminary information
Award: Alberta Justice

Officials say the numbers are subject to change as medical examinations of the deaths over the past three years are being completed.

But the preliminary data is the lowest in a decade.

In addition, the number of young people under the age of 19 who die by suicide in Calgary is also on the decline, from 10 deaths per year between 2020 and 2022 to one last year.

Mara Grunau, executive director of the Calgary Suicide Prevention Center, is cautiously optimistic about the numbers because they are preliminary and don't tell the full story.

“Research shows that suicide is a lagging indicator. What we mean by that is, if you think about it, people don't commit suicide right away. Usually, they've exhausted all of their personal resources,” Gruna said.

“If we have, for example, a major adverse event — a major destructive weather event or (or) it could be an economic disaster — we often see an increase in suicides, but we don't see them for 18 to 24 months. after”.

Grunau said the drop in numbers may be a holdover from the pandemic, where suicide rates have fallen not only in Alberta, but in many parts of the world.

He says it's also an indication that mental health interventions are working.

“It was normal to admit that we weren't good enough,” Grunau said.

“It's starting to normalize that conversation, and what we're seeing is an increase in crisis, more people seeking mental health support, more conversations about mental health and mental well-being.”

The Suicide Prevention Center offers education and training for individuals and organizations to recognize the signs of a crisis and support someone, and Grunau said interest in the workshops has been growing.

“We notice that the demand for workshops is increasing. In the past, it was just the social service sector or the health sector where people wanted to acquire this knowledge, but now we have jobs coming from all walks of life, shapes, forms and sizes. for training,” he said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are encouraged to call the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 9-8-8.

To reach the disaster center, call or text 403-266-4357.

Suicide Prevention Canada Hotline 1-833-456-4566.

Child Helpline has services available 24/7 across Canada and can be reached by texting CONNECT to 686868 or calling 1-800-668-6868.