Introduction

Partners for Life, the awareness-raising program for depression among teens, grew out of a terrible tragedy: the suicide of five young teenagers in Estrie between November 1996 and March 1997. 

At the time, major research by Brent, Shaffer and Marttunen (La suicide chez les jeunes : S.O.S. jeunes en détresse; Conseil permanent de la jeunesse, p. 28) started to make the link between depression and suicide. This research showed that 80% to 90% of people who go through with suicide suffer from a mental illness, frequently from depression.

Knowing that depression also strikes teenagers—5% to 10% of them—and that the symptoms are different from those experienced by adults and often confused with “teenage angst,” the Foundation decided to play a critical role in the fight against suicide.

Quebec still has one of the highest rates of suicide among young people, although a 2004 report from Quebec’s Bureau du coroner shows that the number of suicides among young people had dropped between 1999 and 2004 (Coroner’s Report, 2004).

According to this report:

• The number of suicides among young people dropped by half, from 106 in 1999 to 54 in 2004.
• Among 15 to 19 years old, 106 took their own lives in 1999, a number that has dropped every year: 85 in 2000, 77 in 2001, 71 in 2002, 67 in 2003 and 54 in 2004.
• Among 20 to 24 years old, there was also a decline: 132 in 1999, 120 in 2000, 111 in 2001, 101 in 2002, 109 in 2003 and 91 in 2004.
• In Montreal, there is also a downward trend. There were 103 fewer suicides in 2004 (227) than in 1999 (330).
• Men commit suicide more than women. In 2004, 75% of suicides were committed by men, compared to 79% in 1999. On the other hand, in absolute terms, the number of suicides among men has dropped since 1999. Among women, the picture is darker, with statistics showing rises and falls.
• Every day, an average of three people take their own lives in Quebec.
• Suicide is the leading cause of mortality among young people from 15 to 29 and among men 15 to 40.

Obviously, suicide among young people is still a major issue. This is why the Mental Illness Foundation is continuing its upstream action by working on the prevention of depression among young people.