In 2021, there were 3,769 deaths in Canada from suicide. This was a decrease from the year before in which 4,152 people died from suicide. The death rate from suicide in Canada in 2021 was 9.9 per 100,000 population, the lowest rate seen over the past two decades. Warning signs of suicide can include suicidal ideation, withdrawal from family and friends, increased alcohol or drug use, dramatic mood swings, and impulsive or reckless behavior.

Suicide by age Although suicide is more common among some age groups than others, mental health issues and suicide impact people of all ages. Of the 3,769 suicide deaths recorded in Canada in 2021, 344 were among those aged 30 to 34 years. This was the highest number of suicides among all age groups. However, those aged 50 to 54 years had the highest death rate from suicide at that time with 13.4 deaths per 100,000 population. The age group with the second highest suicide death rate was those aged 30 to 39 years, with a rate of 12.8 deaths per 100,000 population.

The mental health status of Canadians Most people who resort to suicide suffer from mental health issues, which is one reason why open discussion around mental health and access to mental health treatment are so important. In 2021, almost 12 percent of Canadians stated that their mental health was just fair or poor. The share of Canadians reporting fair or poor mental health has increased in recent years and hit a high in 2021, perhaps in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, almost 10 percent of Canadians now report that they have been diagnosed with a mood disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, mania, or dysthymia. Depression is one of the most common mental health issues, but is also often easily treated through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these.

Over the past couple decades the death rate from intentional self-harm (suicide) in Canada has remained relatively stable. In 2000, the death rate from suicide was 11.7 per 100,000 population. However, the rate had slightly decreased by 2023 to 9.5 deaths per 100,000. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are always considered a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate assistance from a health care provider. Suicide globally The statistics on suicide vary drastically by country. As of 2019, the countries with the highest rates of suicide included Lesotho, Guyana, and Eswatini. Suicide statistics also vary by gender. As an example, the suicide rate among men in Lithuania in 2021 was almost five times greater than the suicide rate among Lithuanian women. Suicide in North America Suicide rates in North America also differ drastically by age and gender. In Canada, the rate of deaths due to suicide is highest among those aged 50 to 54 years. Much like in Canada, the United States shows higher rates of suicides among older adults, with those aged 45 to 64 years with the highest rates of suicide. In North America, as well as globally, the death rate from suicide is higher among men. In the United States, the death rate from suicide among men is almost four times greater than the death rate from suicide among women.

Canada suicide rate for 2021 was 9.44, a 18.9% decline from 2020.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Canada suicide rate for 2020 was <strong>11.64</strong>, a <strong>8.27% decline</strong> from 2019.</li>
<li>Canada suicide rate for 2019 was <strong>12.69</strong>, a <strong>1.04% increase</strong> from 2018.</li>
<li>Canada suicide rate for 2018 was <strong>12.56</strong>, a <strong>6.26% increase</strong> from 2017.</li>
</ul>Suicide mortality rate is the number of suicide deaths in a year per 100,000 population. Crude suicide rate (not age-adjusted).

Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: Female data was reported at 7.000 NA in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 7.000 NA for 2015. Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 7.000 NA from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2016, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.100 NA in 2010 and a record low of 6.500 NA in 2000. Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Suicide mortality rate is the number of suicide deaths in a year per 100,000 population. Crude suicide rate (not age-adjusted).; ; World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory Data Repository (http://apps.who.int/ghodata/).; Weighted average;

Suicide mortality rate (per 100,000 population) in Canada was reported at 9.44 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Canada - Suicide mortality rate (per 100,000 population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

During 2021, the suicide rate in Canada for those between 20 and 24 years of age reached 12 per 100,000 population. This statistic displays the suicide rate in Canada by age group in 2021. Many people who have intentionally ended their lives suffered from depression or other mental health disorders that can negatively impact one's occupation and education, social relationships, and overall emotional and physical functioning.

Suicide and self-harm

Intentional self-harm and suicide remain serious issues throughout the world, as mental health difficulties can affect anyone, anywhere. Suicide was among the top ten leading causes of death in Canada in 2020. Additionally, during 2020-2021, there were over 19,000 hospitalizations due to suicide attempts and intentional self-injury. People of all ages and backgrounds can experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm as part of ongoing mental health struggles or during times of crisis; therefore, it is important to seek out help from available resources as well as support others during difficult times.

Improving mental health

The proportion of Canadians who would rate their mental health as fair or poor has risen in the past two decades. Therefore, increasing mental health and wellbeing has been the focus for many individuals as well as an important part of public health strategies. The majority of Canadians include improving mental health as part of their health and fitness goals, while mental health promotion efforts often focus on aspects such as improving access to services, increasing knowledge and awareness, and reducing stigma and disparities.

Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: per 100,000 Population data was reported at 9.440 Ratio in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 11.640 Ratio for 2020. Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: per 100,000 Population data is updated yearly, averaging 12.505 Ratio from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2021, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.430 Ratio in 2015 and a record low of 9.440 Ratio in 2021. Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: per 100,000 Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Suicide mortality rate is the number of suicide deaths in a year per 100,000 population. Crude suicide rate (not age-adjusted).;World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory Data Repository (http://apps.who.int/ghodata/).;Weighted average;This is the Sustainable Development Goal indicator 3.4.2[https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/].

Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: Male data was reported at 18.100 NA in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 18.200 NA for 2015. Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 19.000 NA from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2016, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.600 NA in 2000 and a record low of 18.100 NA in 2016. Canada CA: Suicide Mortality Rate: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Suicide mortality rate is the number of suicide deaths in a year per 100,000 population. Crude suicide rate (not age-adjusted).; ; World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory Data Repository (http://apps.who.int/ghodata/).; Weighted average;

In Canada, the territory of Nunavut had the highest suicide rate among all Canadian provinces and territories in 2021. That year there were around 82 deaths from suicide in Nunavut per 100,000 population, compared to a rate of 5.5 per 100,000 population in British Columbia. This statistic shows the suicide death rate in Canada in 2021, by province or territory.

This table contains 126720 series, with data for years 2000 - 2000 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years). This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Age group (12 items: Total; 15 years and over;20 to 34 years;20 to 24 years;15 to 19 years ...), Sex (3 items: Both sexes; Females; Males ...), Suicidal thoughts and attempts (5 items: Total; suicidal thoughts and attempts; Suicide; considered in past 12 months; Suicide; attempted in past 12 months; Suicide; never contemplated ...), Characteristics (8 items: Number of persons; Low 95% confidence interval; number of persons; Coefficient of variation for number of persons; High 95% confidence interval; number of persons ...).

Rank, number of deaths, percentage of deaths, and age-specific mortality rates for the leading causes of death, by age group and sex, 2000 to most recent year.

In Canada, suicide is much more common among males than females. In 2021, there were around 2,822 deaths from suicide among males in Canada, compared to 947 suicide deaths among females. This statistic shows the number of deaths from suicide in Canada from 2000 to 2021, by gender.

Number and rate of potential years of life lost for unintentional injuries and suicides, by sex.

Average Annual Numbers and Rates of Suicide Fatalities in NS by age group and sex, time periods: 2010-2012, 2013-2015, 2016-2018, 2019-2021.

Approx. 11 people die by suicide each day.

Mental health characteristics and suicidal thoughts, by age group and sex, Canada (excluding territories) and provinces.

Canada's adolescent suicide rates have shown fluctuations over the past two decades, with recent data indicating a downward trend. In 2022, the suicide death rate for Canadian teenagers aged 15 to 19 years dropped to 7.4 per 100,000 population, marking a notable decrease from previous years. Decline in overall numbers The reduction in suicide rates corresponds with a decrease in the absolute number of suicide deaths among adolescents. In 2022, there were 158 suicide deaths in the 15 to 19 age group, a substantial decrease from 221 deaths reported in 2019. This decline suggests that government interventions and mental health support systems may be having a positive impact on adolescent mental health in Canada. Gender disparities persist Despite the overall decline, significant gender differences in suicide rates among adolescents remain. In 2022, the suicide death rate for male adolescents aged 15 to 19 was ten per 100,000 population, more than double the rate of 4.8 per 100,000 for females in the same age group. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions and support systems that address the unique challenges faced by male and female adolescents in Canada.

This dataset shows the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) rate for suicide per 100,000 for Regular Force males. As the number of events was less than 20 in most years, rates were not calculated annually as these would not have been statistically reliable. Regular Force female rates were not calculated because female suicides were uncommon. This dataset is taken from the yearly Report on Suicide Mortality in the Canadian Armed Forces released on the Canada.ca platform at the homepage link provided down below.

Numbers and rates of suicide fatalities in NS by year, month, sex, and health zone of residence.

Numbers and rates of suicide fatalities in NS by year, month, sex, and health zone of residence.