Warning: This blog discusses the topic of suicide, which may be upsetting for some people. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately. The Canada wide crisis line is 988.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
So what does that mean? According to Statistics Canada, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide in Canada every year. That’s about 12 people each and every day. This doesn’t include everyone who has had thoughts of suicide or attempts but survived.
For a health crisis that impacts so many people (including the loved ones left behind), this topic is still shrouded in so much stigma and secrecy.
Suicide is preventable. But first we need to talk about it.
Warning signs
It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and miss warning signs that a loved one is contemplating suicide. National Suicide Prevention Month helps give us a moment to consider the people who are in our lives and see if they might need help.
Some common warning signs and risk factors are:
Showing signs of being down, depressed and withdrawn
Expressing feeling hopeless, or like they’re a burden
Displaying extreme mood swings
Giving possessions away
Talking about wanting to die, or that the world would be better off without them
Increasing alcohol or drug use
Saying goodbye
Being reckless or impulsive
Having a change in sleeping, eating patterns and poor personal hygiene
Previous suicide attempts
In addition, when someone has made the decision to attempt suicide, they may seem calmer or more at peace. This sudden change can seem promising to outside observers but can be a major warning sign that the person has come to terms with their decision to end their life.
How You Can Help
If you suspect someone might be considering suicide, the best place to start is to open a conversation. Knowing someone we care about is thinking about suicide can cause a lot of emotions in ourselves, but it is important to do your best to remain calm and non-judgemental.
Start by checking in with them. The person may not open up immediately, but if you are concerned it's important to ask direct questions about their thoughts of suicide. For example, “I know this is really hard to talk about, but when people get this withdrawn sometimes they get thoughts of killing themselves. Do you have those thoughts?”
Let them know you care about them and help connect them to professional resources. If you suspect they are in immediate danger, call the crisis line (988) or 911.
Other Ways To Help
Suicidal ideation thrives in isolation, talking about it is vital for prevention. When we open up about our own mental health struggles, it helps reduce the stigma and may encourage others to do the same.
Supporting organizations that raise awareness on mental health issues can increase the awareness in the community. The Canadian Mental Health Association is one organization that provides a lot of resources for Canadians in this area, for example.
Finally, write to your MLA to demand increases to funding for mental health services. Mental health is health, and everyone should have access to it.
Honouring Those We Have Lost
It would be remiss to end this blog without talking about the lives already lost.
National Suicide Prevention Month gives those of us affected by loss to suicide an opportunity to come together and remember those who lost their battle with their mental illness. They matter, and we will never forget them.
Resources:
Signs of Suicide fact sheet: https://sprc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Warning-Signs-of-Suicide-a-Fact-Sheet-for-Family-and-Community-Members.pdf
Canadian Mental Health Association- Edmonton
How to find your MLA
Access 24/7 (Edmonton & Area Adult mental health crisis and intake line)
780-424-24-24
The Distress Line
780-482-4357
Canada Wide mental health crisis line
988
Children’s mental health crisis line (Edmonton & Area)
780-407-1000
The Kids Help Phone (24/7 free, confidential support to children and adolescents)
1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
References:Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-key-statistics-infographic.html
Suicide Prevention Resource Center https://sprc.org/
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Disclaimer
Information provided through Balance Psychological Services' blog posts is meant for educational purposes only. This is NOT medical or mental health advice. If you are seeking mental health advice, please contact us directly at (587) 985-3132.
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