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CANADA: New data shows thousands of Canadians hospitalized or died due to self-harm last year

The Canadian Institute for Health Information released the data which shows 25,000 either died by suicide or were admitted to hospital
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(stock photo)

A new report shows many Canadians deliberately harmed themselves last year.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) released the data which shows 25,000 either died by suicide or were admitted to hospital.

Kathleen Morris, CIHI vice president of research and analysis, told NEWS 95.7 the numbers vary in different demographics.

"Men aged 45 to 64 account for about 30 per cent of all of the suicides," she said. "If we look at hospitalizations for self-harm, we see a very different group across Canada. Generally, 30 per cent are young women aged 10 to 24."

She says they are two different demographics that require different solutions.

Morris also adds early signs are that more people are struggling with mental health due to stress brought on by the pandemic.

"The Kids Help Phone, for example, is seeing an increase in the number of calls and texts they receive," she said.

Morris believes the more that we can talk about the issue, the more it can influence people to get help early on before seriously harming themselves.

The Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free).

The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free).