Suicide has been described by some as a "silent epidemic". Experts say it's high incidence and a lack of public awareness have made prevention, screening and treatment difficult to tackle.
Of the approximately five hundred deaths by suicide in Alberta every year, more than three quarters involve men aged thirty to sixty nine.
Generations of men have grown up with specific social constructs says Mara Grunau, executive director of the Centre for Suicide Prevention. As a group, she says that men are typically perceived as stoic and strong. They are reluctant to ask for help or show vulnerability.
If you're at risk of suicide or know somebody who is at risk of suicide, Grunau says Alberta has a lot of resources, but the biggest thing is to reach out.
In the Edmonton area, you can contact the Candian Mental Health Association crisis line at 780-482-4357, in the Calgary area, you can call Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-4357. Outside of the major centres, you can get immediate help by calling 1-800-232-7288.
