NB 512
May 3, 2005
FREDERICTON (CNB) - Health and Wellness Minister Elvy Robichaud and principal researcher Dr. Monique Séguin today released a study into the contributing factors leading to suicide and what can be done to improve suicide prevention strategies.
The study examined 102 cases of suicide which occurred in New Brunswick between April 1, 2002, and May 31, 2003. Part 2 of the study, which will involve
an analysis of information gathered from more than 40 New Brunswickers who attempted suicide, is now underway.
"This study will provide health professionals here and elsewhere with important insights into the events and circumstances that can cause someone to take their own life and how we can try to prevent these tragedies," Robichaud said.
"This project puts New Brunswick in the international forefront of suicide expertise and the continuing efforts to better understand and deal with this complex phenomenon," said Dr. Séguin, a researcher with the Université du Québec in Outaouais and the McGill Group for Suicide Studies.
The study can be found online at: http://www.gnb.ca/0055/pdf/3182-e.pdf.
Researchers found that the principal factors that preceded suicide included deepening depression, dramatic increase in alcohol use, marital difficulties, loss of physical autonomy and loss or potential loss of freedom, including incarceration.
Ninety-seven per cent of the suicide victims had one mental health problem and 75 per cent had two or more mental health challenges. Alcohol and drug abuse was identified in 61 per cent of the cases.
The study found that, in many cases, victims had shown signs of suicidal behaviour.
"In general, members of the public can clearly recognize signs of distress and suicidal behaviours, but for many, the next step, i.e., getting a friend or family member to appropriate services, has not yet become a natural response," the report reads.
The study makes recommendations on how to better identify suicidal behaviour, provide necessary interventions and coordinate treatment in cases where a person has both a mental health challenge and addiction.
Robichaud said the department has taken steps that address issues raised in the study, including the establishment of four provincially funded methadone maintenance clinics to improve access to addiction services.
He announced the establishment of a working a working group of mental health and addiction clinicians, and other professionals to address issues of service co-ordination, treatment, follow-up and protocols.
Robichaud said mental health crisis response capability will be enhanced by adding 13 new, full-time positions.
Mobile crisis units will be established to complement crisis teams already in place in other areas.
Access to psychiatric resources in rural areas will be enhanced through the implementation of a Tele-Mental Health Program to provide psychiatric assessments to patients in their community.
Robichaud noted New Brunswick already has a variety of programs and resources aimed at preventing suicide. These include a provincial suicide prevention coordinator and 13 suicide prevention committees that have developed community-based initiatives to prevent and identify suicidal behaviours.
The province also has 45 A.S.I.S.T (Applied Suicide Intervention Systemic Training) workers who train community members, health care workers and other professionals on how to recognize symptoms of a suicidal person and how to intervene.
Dr. Séguin thanked those whose participation made the research project possible.
"We wish to thank all the bereaved families who agreed to participate in this research project," she said. "They answered our questions with much generosity, courage and patience in the hope that their stories might spare other families the same fate."
She also thanked the Community Mental Health clinicians "who were moved by compassion to share in this study."
"On behalf of those whose stories were the source of this study, we must now make every effort to lessen the frequency of these personal, family and social tragedies," she said.
New Brunswick's suicide rate is at or near the Canadian average.
05/05/03
MEDIA CONTACTS: Krista Petersen, Communications, Department of Health and Wellness, 506-453-2536.
05/05/03