The province of Quebec has launched its 20th annual Suicide Prevention Week, with the goal of helping people suffering from depression, as well as those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
In 2008, 1103 people took their own lives in Quebec, with the vast majority living outside the main urban areas.
The Quebec Association for Suicide Prevention said unemployment and access to resources are contributing factors.
"It's easier to get to the resources in Montreal and Quebec than it is to get to them in the regions. It could be only (a matter of having) a car or to get to a bus to get to these resources that we can't get in other areas," said Julie Campbell, the association's president.
Encouraging news
A recent public health study shows that over the last decade the rate has dropped by 32 percent.
Also, fewer teens are seeing suicide as an option to end their problems. The suicide rate among teenagers dropped has dropped by 12 percent every year, for the last 10 years.
Experts say those statistics could indicate prevention campaigns are having an impact.
There are 33 suicide prevention centres in the province now, compared to just a handful 20 years ago.
A suicide prevention hotline is operational throughout Quebec 24 hours a day at 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553).
