Mental health check-in: crisis calls increase as suicide rates trend downward
While groups that support Albertans in crisis say there is a rise in complex contacts from those needing help, the actual rate of death by suicide has been decreasing through the pandemic.
According to the latest data from the office of the chief medical examiner provided to the Centre for Suicide Prevention, suicide deaths are declining.
In Calgary in 2019, 153 suicide deaths were recorded, decreasing to 141 in 2020, and to 131 the following year.
Province-wide in 2019, there were 604 reported suicide deaths, a slight increase to 615 the following year coinciding with the arrival of COVID-19 pandemic measures.
In 2021 the provincial rate of suicide fell to 580 across Alberta.
The records stretching back to 2012 also indicate that Alberta males are more than twice as likely to die by suicide as women.
The province provides funding for 211, a 24/7 crisis hotline that take calls, texts and live chats.
In November, the minister for mental health and addiction announced a funding increase from $7.5 million to $15 million over a three-year span.
“Anyone can experience mental illness, and, for many, that can be an isolating experience. By taking time to talk openly about our challenges and share our experiences, we can show our friends and neighbours who are struggling that they are not alone," said Minister Nicholas Milliken in a portion of a statement released in time for Bell Let's Talk marked on Jan. 25.
The statement continued to encourage Albertans struggling with mental health concerns to reach out to 211 to be connected with various relevant support groups.
Officials at the distress centre in Calgary say call volumes are steady by complexity and level of risk is on the rise.
Calls, texts and chats are often connected to suicide, anxiety, depression, and struggles with over affordability driven by pandemic-driven inflation.
CEO Robyn Romano says approximately one out of four phone contacts are suicide-related, while half of all text and chat contacts are suicide-related.
Romano recommends showing kindness and offering support if someone we know is showing signs of struggle -- and for individuals in crisis that help is there.
To reach the Distress Centre call/text 403-266-4357.
The Canada Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-833-456-4566.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tensions over immigration: Justin Trudeau ‘got away with it’, says Roberge
On Saturday, tensions rose again between Quebec and Ottawa at the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) political conference in Saint-Hyacinthe.
'I think Israel is interested in a ceasefire': U.S. ambassador to Canada
In an interview with CTV’s Question Period host Vassy Kapelos, airing Sunday, Cohen said that despite the failed attempt at a pause, he still believes a ceasefire is possible.
'Sober curious': Younger Canadians turning away from alcohol, data says
According to a survey on recent alcohol consumption, younger Canadians are more likely to have not had a drink in the past week. For those interested in slowing or stopping their alcohol consumption, there's a phrase: 'sober curious.'
'Joker 2' stumbles at box office amid poor reviews from audiences and critics
'Joker: Folie a Deux' is the No. 1 movie at the box office, but it might not be destined for a happy ending.
The cooking method you need to learn to get excited about vegetables this fall, expert says
'Eat more vegetables,' doctors and dietitians say over and over. But for many people, it’s hard to do, because they aren’t excited about veggies or just don’t like them.
Severe winds wreak havoc on southern Manitoba
Some Manitobans are cleaning up Sunday morning, after intense winds barreled through southern parts of the province Saturday.
Monument unveiled for eight Nova Scotia brothers who fought in World War II
The eight sons of Richard and Sarah Harvie from Gormanville, N.S., are believed to be the most siblings from one family, from either North America or the British Commonwealth, to serve in World War II.
Death and fashion abound in Jeanne Beker's new memoir, 'Heart on My Sleeve'
But after fashion, death is the second through line in 'Heart on My Sleeve,' which tells the TV personality's life story as reflected by the items in her wardrobe.
Liberal, Conservative MPs to speak at Oct. 7 march to Parliament Hill
A Liberal MP and a Conservative MP will be part of a team delivering speeches at an event in Ottawa commemorating the one year anniversary of the attacks on Oct. 7.