Suicide is a global public health issue, with over 720,000 deaths by suicide annually as reported by the World Health Organization. Global statistics show that deaths by suicide are more than two times higher for men than for women and the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï continues to take steps towards building capacity to help students in difficulty and those struggling with suicide. Since 2019, the Office of the Dean of Students has been developing and implementing recommendations set forth in the ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Student Suicide Prevention Framework.
The Public Health Agency of Canada established a, published in 2016, that defines suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. The , published in 2024, is inspired by this Framework.
Prevention
Suicide is largely a preventable death.
According to the Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, suicide prevention "works to build protective actors and promote mental health and well-being and reduce risk factors that could lead to suicide."
Suicide prevention trainings exist to limit stigma, increase help-seeking behaviors, and reduce risk factors that could lead to suicide while minimizing exposure effects. It is important to assess which suicide prevention trainings best suit the roles and responsibilities of individuals in the community. For more information on which training program is the best option, contact Melissa Lutchman, Associate Director of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Management. Trainings are available in both English and French.
Intervention
According to the Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, suicide intervention "works to address risk of suicide. It focuses on how best to respond early when someone has thoughts of suicide or suicide-related behaviours."
Suicide intervention trainings equip professionals working in the fields of mental health and crisis with the tools they need to assess risk and imminent danger. If you are a professional interested in a suicide intervention training, contact melissa.lutchman [at] mcgill.ca (Melissa Lutchman), Associate Director of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Management. Trainings are available for both English and French.
If you are concerned about a student, please contact a Case Manager in the Crisis Response Team.
Postvention
According to the Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, postvention "works to help support and heal those affected after the loss or experience of suicide, as well as providing follow-up education/prevention to reduce the risk of future crises."
ODoS will lead postvention initiatives when a suicide occurs on or off campus and will liaise with faculties and/or units and other services, as needed. Postvention activities promote stability and minimize exposure effects. They provide a sense of security for the community in the short, medium, and long term.
An appropriate education program in best practices in postvention activities is an essential part of supporting and bringing the ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï community together during crisis situations. Melissa Lutchman, Associate Director of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Management, has partnered with the Centre de Prévention du Suicide de Montréal (CPSM) to develop a Postvention training for clinicians and managers that aligns with best practices in suicide prevention. Ms. Lutchman and members of the Crisis Response Team will be offering the training to faculties and units across campus.
Please contact ODoS for additional information on postvention trainings in either English or French.
