Research Project Comparing Suicide Mortality Cases and Suicide Attempts in New Brunswick Between April 2002 and May 2003

This study was conducted to identify the personal & social circumstances involved in suicide attempts & deaths by suicide in New Brunswick. 102 out of 109 suicides that occurred between April 2002 & May 2003 were examined. Information was also gathered from 35 individuals who had made a serious suicide attempt. In the large majority of cases, suicide victims had a long trajectory of difficulties throughout their lives. More than 50% of victims & 70% of attempters had been in contact with specialized health services during the past year. Members of the public could clearly recognize signs of distress & suicidal behaviour but getting a person at risk to appropriate services was not yet a natural response for the entire population.