Suicidal thoughts are prevalent among off-reserve Indigenous youth: study

A new report published by Statistics Canada and NWAC paints a gloomy picture about suicide among Indigenous youth

The issue of suicide and suicidal thoughts among Indigenous people in Canada has been a huge concern for a number of years. We have known for decades that the rates of suicide among First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, especially youth, is much higher than the non-Aboriginal portion of Canadian society.

A new study from Statistics Canada and the Native Women’s Association of Canada shows this issue hasn’t gone away. The report released this week, is based off of data from the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey and looks at suicidal thoughts among off-reserve Indigenous youth ages 18-25.

Some important findings from the report:

• 5 to 10 per cent of off-reserve First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth reported having suicidal thoughts in the last 12 months
• About 20 per cent of youth reported having suicidal thoughts sometime in their lifetime
• Suicidal thoughts were twice as prevalent among off-reserve Indigenous young adults as they were among non-Aboriginal young adults
• Youth who reported having mood or anxiety disorders, drug use or feelings of hopelessness were more likely to have suicidal thoughts in the past year; youth who reported a high sense of self-worth were not as likely to have suicidal thoughts

Statistics Canada has studied this issue among women and men and has also found that suicidal thoughts are prevalent among off-reserve Indigenous adults.

These are difficult stats to digest, but there’s research that also suggests certain factors can mitigate suicidal thoughts and prevent suicide in communities. Participation in community, connection to culture, control over personal lives and personal empowerment are a few examples of things that can really make a difference.  

Looking for help, too, can make a difference. If you or anyone you know are struggling, there are people you can talk to and places you can go to start to tackle any issues you’re facing. The New Journeys programs and services database is a good first step for finding the help you or someone you know might need.

Read the full report from Statistics Canada and NWAC here.