Weekly News Roundup Feb. 3-9, 2024

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Study finds non-white victims of lethal violence and suicide in the US die younger than their white counterpart – Medical Xpress
February 7, 2024
A new study has found that, in the US, people of colour are more likely to die by suicide or homicide at a younger age than white people. Study authors said, “Findings indicated that non-white homicide victims, suicide decedents, and homicide-suicide perpetrators died significantly younger than their white counterparts. Homicide and suicide exact a high societal cost, and the burden of that cost is disproportionately high among persons of color.” Researchers say that disparities between people of colour and white people can be addressed, for example, by boosting educational opportunities, improving access to childcare, and addressing intimate partner violence among communities of people of colour.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have higher suicide risk, study says – Guardian
February 5, 2024
1 in 10 women in the UK are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and new research from Taiwan has found that women with PCOS may be more likely to attempt suicide. Dr. Sophie Williams of the University of Derby said, “We know that women with PCOS are more likely to have depression and anxiety – that’s been shown time and time again in a number of research papers.” The new research has found that women with PCOS were almost 9 times more likely to attempt suicide than women without PCOS but who had similar characteristics, such as health and mental health conditions and demographics.

Zaiser: How the media might inadvertently promote suicide– Ottawa Citizen
February 5, 2024
In this opinion article, Dr. Benni Zaiser, mental health support officer with one of the largest police services in Canada, and vice-chair of Distress and Crisis Ontario, explains how recent media coverage of the Kenneth Law case has the potential to exacerbate suicide rather than prevent it. Reporting on the Law case is problematic because it is focused on a particular method of suicide. Zaiser says, “The challenge in covering the Law case is that the method itself is central to the story. This creates a dilemma: preventing suicide by addressing potential victims and witnesses seems at odds with preventing suicide through responsible reporting. Walking the line between ethically responsible reporting on suicide and informing the public is a challenge… To balance the need for reporting the story and fostering healthy awareness, media outlets must focus more on adhering to WHO’s dos and don’ts… This involves better educating the public about the transient nature of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, as well as covering coping strategies for life’s challenges. Moreover, every report has to include easily accessible information on where to find help.”

91 Indian students have died in Canada in the past five years, India says– National Post
February 5, 2024
This article discusses the suicide deaths of international students from India in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) wasn’t able to confirm the number in their records, which do not include data on the deaths of foreign nationals who are studying in Canada. IRCC says, “Cases may be investigated by relevant local authorities, depending on the facts of each individual case.” They add that they are “very concerned about the vulnerability of international students,” and, “While education is a provincial/territorial responsibility, IRCC recognises that we need to work collaboratively with provinces and territories, as well as learning institutions, to develop ways to address concerns related to student vulnerability.”

Struggling, or know someone who is? Suicide-prevention in Quebec– CTV News
February 4, 2024
Last week was suicide prevention week in Quebec, and this year’s campaign, initiated by the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS), focused on daring to talk about suicide, educating people on warning signs and encouraging them to have a conversation with someone they’re worried about. AQPS president Hugo Fournier said, “We want to be sure and let people know that they can play an important role this week by being aware [of the] distress signs.”

Violent online groups are pressuring youth into harming themselves, authorities warn– CBC
February 8, 2024
**Language, method, content warning** The RCMP and FBI are investigating violent online groups that encourage young people to harm or kill themselves. Police have said that these groups target young people between 8 and 17 and especially those belonging to 2SLGBTQ+ and racial minority groups. The groups use online platforms to connect with youth, most commonly, Discord. The FBI made a public service announcement last year urging the public to “exercise caution when posting or direct messaging personal photos, videos and identifying information on social media, dating apps and other online sites” and to look out for warning signs that a young person may be self-harming or experiencing thoughts of suicide. The RCMP are encouraging anyone who has been contacted by these groups to reach out to them.