Suicide Prevention Week in Quebec: 5 Things to Know
Suicide Prevention Week is an event that takes place every year in Quebec. Here are five things to know about it.
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1. What is Suicide Prevention Week?
Suicide Prevention Week is an event that raises awareness and calls people to action to prevent suicide. It has been held every year by the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS) since 1991.
The goals of Suicide Prevention Week:
- Raising awareness of the scope of the problem among the population and decision-makers
- Promote the resources available in Quebec
- Normalize reaching out for help
- Encourage people to talk about suicide openly and safely
2. What are the dates and theme of the next edition?
February 2 to 8, 2025: the dates of the 2025 edition of Suicide Prevention Week.
Prevention is better than death: this will be the theme of this 35th edition. The campaign will highlight the importance of prevention and encourage people to talk about suicide.
3. Why dedicate a week to suicide prevention awareness?
Suicide is a real issue in Quebec, as these statistics reveal1 :
- Every day in Quebec, three people die by suicide, leaving a void for their loved ones.
- More than 3,500 hospitalizations are related to suicide attempts every year, representing approximately 10 hospitalizations per day.
- The suicide rate is three times higher for men than for women.
That's why it's important to take the time to raise public awareness of this issue. Devoting a week to the issue is a way of mobilizing as many people as possible around actions that can be taken to prevent suicide.
1 Source : Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Les comportements suicidaires au Québec : portrait 2024)
4. Website dedicated to Suicide Prevention Week
The daretotalkaboutsuicide.com is being promoted throughout Suicide Prevention Week.
Inspired by the theme Prevention is better than death, it highlights the importance of talking openly about mental health, and invites everyone to dare to talk about suicide and have the audacity to break taboos.
What you'll find on the site:
- Useful information on suicide prevention week
- Practical content on suicide prevention (signs of distress, myths surrounding suicide, testimonials, etc.)
- Tips for starting a conversation about suicide
- Ideas for actions you can take to prevent suicide in your community
5. How to contribute to Suicide Prevention Week
Stay in touch
Follow AQPS's social networks (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter) to make sure you don't miss a thing about Suicide Prevention Week, and don't hesitate to share publications.
Participe in the #DareToTalkAboutSuicide campaign
Share the campaign visuals on your social networks.
Distribute awareness materials
Order and distribute awareness-raising materials to inform the public about resources available, and to spread motivational messages.
Organize or support an activity in your region
Many events are being organized across Quebec during Suicide Prevention Week. Take part in these events to show your support for the cause.
Learning about suicide
Taking the time to learn more about suicide is a simple action that helps break down taboos. You can start by uncovering some of the myths surrounding the subject.
Need help for you or a loved one?
If you're experiencing distress, have concerns about a loved one or have lost someone to suicide, you can contact a professional counsellor by chat, text (535353) or phone at 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553).
These services are available 24/7 throughout Quebec.
