There is a seasonal trend in suicide in Toronto. (Figure 17). The greatest risk of suicide occurred in July and August, with nearly 1.5 times the risk of suicide than in November and December.
There are several explanations for the seasonal trend in suicide. Theories on the seasonal trend in suicide have suggested that there may be an activating potential associated with sunlight or temperature that may increase suicide risk. Other studies have explained the findings through the 'broken promises effect', where things seem to be
getting better for everyone in the summer and a sense of expectancy is elevated, so that when an individual is not feeling better, they may feel defeated and suicide is seen as an option.