More youth deaths from suicide were reported to Manitoba’s children’s advocate last year than ever before, a new report says — a growing problem the agency says governments and mental health organizations need to take action on. The latest annual report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, released Friday, says there were 37 youth deaths by suicide between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023 — 42 per cent more than during the 2021-22 year. It’s the highest annual number of deaths by suicide ever reported to the organization.
The sad part about this whole thing is that these deaths are preventable, said Sherry Gott, Manitoba’s children and youth advocate. Children are waiting for a mental health response.
Manitoba’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner notifies the youth advocate’s office each time a person under 21 dies in the province. Of the 265 death notifications it received this year, 14 per cent were from suicide.
The report adds that Indigenous children and youth, especially those living in First Nations communities, make up the majority of those suicide deaths. More children and youth are dying at younger ages, the report says.
There’s nowhere for children in Manitoba, especially in the First Nation communities, to go, said Gott.
Since 2018, Indigenous children, youth, and young adults have consistently represented the majority of deaths by suicide in Manitoba — about 70 per cent, according to the youth advocate.
Gott said a lack of mental health services in First Nations communities continues to put youth at risk. Many of these communities have declared a state of emergency over youth suicides.
More young people in the province are also dying from overdoses, Gott said. In 2022-23, 18 young people died from overdoses in the province, according to the report.
To prevent these deaths, the youth advocate’s office is calling for short- and long-term action plans, as well as a youth mental health strategy aimed at creating accessible mental health and addiction prevention and intervention services.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee supports the calls for action, stating that the province must engage with First Nations leadership and communities to address the youth suicide crisis. He emphasized the need for a collaborative and First Nations-led process.
The report also highlights other troubling statistics, including an increase in sleep-related infant deaths. Preliminary data shows that there were 17 deaths in children up to the age of 24 months while sleeping or in a sleeping environment this past year. Recommendations were made in a 2020 report to lower these deaths, but Gott expressed disappointment that the province has yet to address them.
The youth advocate urged the province to work with First Nations and Métis governments to ensure expectant parents and caregivers have a safe place for their child to sleep, such as a crib.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to get help.
