Suicide
Suicide is the act of willfully ending one’s own life. The word suicide is sometimes used as a noun for one who has committed or attempted the act.
Causes
Suicide is the culmination of a complex set of thoughts and behaviour. Suicide is not caused by any one factor, but likely by a combination of them. It is often a result of depression, a loss of self-esteem or an inability to visualize a better future. Some of the contributing factors include:
- Substance abuse
- Divorce of parents
- Parental unemployment
- Household financial problems
- Rejection by a boyfriend or girlfriend
- Domestic violence or abuse
- Lack of success at school
- Depression
Warning Signs
There are often signs that someone may be thinking about or planning a suicide attempt. Here are some of them:
- talking about suicide or death in general
- talking about "going away"
- referring to things they "won’t be needing," and giving away possessions
- talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
- pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out
- having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities
- having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits
- engaging in self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting, for example)
Where to get Help
On-Campus
- Centre for Psychological Services → 613-562-5289
- Health Services → 613-564-3950
Off-Campus
- Canadian Mental Health Association → 613-737-7793
- Crisis Line 613-722-6914
- Youth Net → 613-738-3915
