Alarming Rise in Suicides Among Young Girls in Quebec: A Disturbing Trend
For the first time since the publication of such statistics, young girls aged 10 to 14 in Quebec are recording the highest proportion of suicides among all causes of death at this age, accounting for 25.8%. This alarming statistic, described as “a punctual variation rather than an established trend,” comes from the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec [[2]].
The findings are part of the report titled “Suicidal Behavior in Quebec: Portrait 2025,” authored by Pascale Lévesque, scientific advisor, and Paul-André Perron, strategic advisor at the coroner-Chief du Québec office. The report, published on February 3, 2025, paints a complex picture of suicide trends in the province.
while the overall number of suicides in Quebec has been declining, the data reveals a concerning spike among young girls. In 2022, 1,142 suicides were recorded, and preliminary data for 2023 indicates 1,005 deaths attributable to suicide. As 2003, there has been an annual decrease of 1.3% in suicide rates for both sexes combined.
However, the rise in suicides among young girls aged 10 to 14 is a stark contrast to this downward trend. The report suggests that this increase could be a temporary anomaly rather than a long-term pattern.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Year | Total Suicides in Quebec | Suicides Among Girls Aged 10-14 |
|———-|——————————|————————————-|
| 2022 | 1,142 | 25.8% of deaths in this age group |
| 2023 | 1,005 (preliminary data) | Data pending |
The report underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions to address this troubling progress. While the overall decline in suicide rates is encouraging, the rise among young girls highlights the importance of understanding the unique factors contributing to this trend.
For more detailed insights, refer to the full report on Suicidal Behavior in Quebec: portrait 2025 [[2]].
This data serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in mental health and the need for comprehensive strategies to support vulnerable populations.
Rising Suicide Rates among Young Girls: A Call for Urgent Prevention Programs
In 2022, a concerning trend emerged: nine suicides were recorded among young girls aged 10 to 14, a figure higher than the previous four years. While the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) cautions against overinterpreting this data due to the small sample size, it highlights a troubling pattern when combined with a “marked increase in hospitalizations” among young girls and adolescent girls.
A Disturbing Trend in Hospitalizations
The INSPQ’s 2023 report reveals alarming statistics. Teenagers aged 15 to 19 have the highest hospitalization rate for suicide attempts, at 175.6 per 100,000 people. For younger girls aged 10 to 14,the hospitalization rate has tripled since 2010,reaching 90.7 per 100,000 people in 2023. These figures underscore a growing mental health crisis among young girls, prompting calls for immediate action.
The Need for Comprehensive Prevention Programs
Last year, in its 2024 portrait, the INSPQ expressed concern over these trends. “social, academic, and personal pressures can be overwhelming for adolescent girls and young girls,” the report states. “It is indeed essential to create safe environments where they feel comfortable asking for help without fear of stigma or judgment.”
The INSPQ emphasizes the importance of educational programs that promote mental health and teach personal and social skills,such as stress and emotion management,from an early age. Schools, families, and communities are urged to play a pivotal role in fostering the well-being of young girls.
Progress and persistent Challenges
While the INSPQ acknowledges that “notable progress has been made over the years, thanks to prevention efforts,” it also notes that “the burden of suicide and suicide attempts remains high, especially in certain vulnerable groups such as adolescent girls, young adults, and people residing in specific sociosanitary regions.”
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Age Group | Hospitalization Rate (per 100,000) | Trend Since 2010 |
|——————–|————————————|——————-|
| 10-14 years | 90.7 | Tripled |
| 15-19 years | 175.6 | Highest rate |
A Call to Action
the INSPQ’s findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health initiatives. By addressing the unique challenges faced by young girls and creating supportive environments, we can work toward reducing these alarming rates.
For more information on mental health resources, visit the INSPQ website or explore local community programs aimed at supporting adolescent mental health.
Let’s come together to ensure that no young girl feels alone in her struggles. Share this article to raise awareness and advocate for stronger mental health support systems in our communities.
Suicide Rates in Quebec: A Regional and Demographic Breakdown
Suicide rates in Quebec vary significantly across regions and age groups, according to recent data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ). While some areas report alarmingly high rates, others show a decline, reflecting a complex sociosanitary landscape.
Regional Disparities in Suicide Rates
The Nunavik region, with a population of approximately 13,000, stands out with a staggering suicide rate of 173.2 per 100,000 people between 2019 and 2021. This is significantly higher than Quebec’s overall rate of 12.6 per 100,000 people.
Other regions with elevated rates include Bas-Saint-Laurent (17.7 per 100,000), Chaudière-Appalaches (16.6 per 100,000), and Mauricie and Center-du-Québec (15.6 per 100,000). In contrast,Laval,Montreal,and Montérégie report significantly lower rates at 6.0, 9.5, and 10.7 per 100,000, respectively.
Age Groups Most Affected
The data reveals that individuals aged 50 to 64 are the most likely to take their own lives. Meanwhile, teenagers aged 15 to 19 have seen a notable decline in suicide rates.From 1999 to 2006, their rate dropped by 13.4% annually, from 33.9 per 100,000 in 1999.For boys aged 10 to 14, suicide rates remain low, with only 0 to 3 cases per year reported between 2018 and 2023.Though, 2022 saw 9 suicides among young girls, highlighting a concerning trend.
A Downward Trend Since 2003
Since 2003, Quebec has observed a 1.3% annual decrease in suicide rates for both sexes. As Pascale Lévesque, scientific advisor, and Paul-André Perron, strategic advisor at the Bureau du Coroner en Chef du Québec, note, this indicates “a continuous decrease trend over the last 18 years.”
Key Data Summary
| Region | Suicide Rate (per 100,000) |
|————————–|——————————–|
| Nunavik | 173.2 |
| Bas-Saint-Laurent | 17.7 |
| Chaudière-Appalaches | 16.6 |
| Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec | 15.6 |
| Laval | 6.0 |
| Montreal | 9.5 |
| Montérégie | 10.7 |
Moving Forward
While the overall decline in suicide rates is encouraging, the stark regional disparities and specific age group vulnerabilities underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions.Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities.For more information on suicide prevention resources, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Quebec Suicide Prevention Hotline.
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If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted professional or call the Quebec Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553).Rising Hospitalizations Among Young Girls: A Cautious Interpretation of 2022 Data
In 2022, official data revealed a concerning trend among young girls aged 10 to 14, with nine reported cases—a figure higher than the previous four years. The Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Inspq) has approached this increase with caution, stating, “the number of annual cases in this group being insufficient” to conduct reliable statistical analyses.
Despite the limited data, the Inspq highlights a meaningful observation: “the marked increase in hospitalizations in young girls and adolescent girls.” This rise, while notable, underscores the need for further investigation to understand the underlying causes and implications.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Age Group | Reported Cases (2022) | Comparison to Previous Years |
|—————|—————————|———————————-|
| 10–14 years | 9 | Higher than the last four years |
The data, though preliminary, raises vital questions about the health and well-being of young girls. while the Inspq refrains from drawing definitive conclusions due to the small sample size, the trend warrants attention from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers alike.
For more detailed insights into women’s health trends,explore the 2022 Women’s Health Data Book [1], which provides a comprehensive analysis of social and medical risk factors among women.
As we continue to monitor these developments, it is indeed crucial to prioritize research and resources to address the health challenges faced by young girls.Stay informed and engaged with the latest findings to support initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
