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 Suicide Prevention Month, a critical time dedicated to raising awareness and fostering dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention.
Suicide is a heavy topic and is still shrouded in shame, confusion, and a lack of understanding for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, their loved ones, and the general public. As we navigate this month, it’s essential to focus on recognizing the complexities of suicide, breaking down stigma, and taking actionable steps to offer help and support.
The Reality of Suicide
Suicide is a significant public health issue that affects millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800,000 die by suicide each year, making it the leading cause of death among young people. In Canada, around 4,000 people die by suicide every year, which is the equivalent of 11 out of every 100,000 people.
Suicide can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. However, when these numbers are broken down, we see that suicide rates are higher among men than women (around 75% of all suicides in Canada are men). There are also specific groups that are at higher risk for suicide due to many influencing factors. Indigenous peoples in Canada experience higher suicide rates compared to the general population. Suicide rates among Indigenous youth are several times higher than the national average. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are also at a notably higher risk of suicide due to discrimination, stigma, and mental health challenges.
Understanding Suicide
One of the greatest barriers to addressing suicide is the stigma and lack of knowledge surrounding mental health issues. Many people hesitate to seek help or discuss their struggles due to fear of judgement or misunderstanding. It is important to talk about suicide openly and for individuals to educate themselves on why suicide happens.
There are many overarching theories that posit why individuals lose their lives to suicide.
Although they differ on the preceding events to suicide, they all share a common thread: suicide is the cause of unbearable emotional pain. Individuals who turn to suicide often are experiencing intense suffering and feel overwhelmed by pain, frustration, or despair. This pain could be caused by a number of factors such as societal impacts, interpersonal relationships, physical health, traumatic experiences, and the effects of a mental health disorder. The combination of these issues become too difficult to handle, and individuals look for a way to escape the emotional and physical pain.
Once suicide is considered, it can easily become a constant companion. When speaking with my therapy clients about suicidal ideation (the thought process of having ideas about the possibility of completing suicide), I often refer to it as the “ultimate Plan B”. Knowing that there is a way out of any distressing experience can be a comfort to many people, even if it isn’t the ideal option. It then becomes very hard to emotionally regulate and use coping strategies, as nothing is quite as relieving as the thought of death. When individuals find themselves in a position where they do not see any other way to escape from their suffering, suicide is more likely to occur.
Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Suicide
Breaking the stigma around suicide starts by having open conversations about mental health and changing the way we view suicide as a moral failing. These individuals are not weak or lacking resilience, they are people who are experiencing deep pain and have likely tried everything in their power to feel better. Many do not have access to resources or the support of a mental health provider to discuss their concerns with.
When losing a loved one to suicide, there is still a tendency to view that person as selfish and that their method of leaving the world is something to be ashamed of. There is no denying the severe grief and devastation that comes with losing a loved one to suicide, especially when having to grapple with the preventable nature of it. It is natural to be angry and blame the person for their decision. However, I encourage us to reconsider our views of these individuals and foster compassion for what they were experiencing. It is human nature to want to reduce suffering and tolerating pain can only be sustained for so long before hopelessness takes over. If we can adjust our views on suicide, it is likely we can improve outcomes for those experiencing suicidal ideation.
Promoting Awareness and Support
It is essential to educate ourselves and others about mental health and offer supportive environments. By creating cultures where people can feel safe reaching out for help and sharing their experiences, we can reduce the risk of suicide.
Here are a few key points to consider in suicide prevention:
Recognize the Signs: Common warning signs of suicidal thoughts include talking about wanting to die, expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden, withdrawing from social activities, giving away personal possessions, and changes in mood or behaviour. If you see someone you know exhibiting these signs, it is important to approach them with empathy and encourage them to seek help. In the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) model, they recommend asking individuals with these signs directly if they have thought of killing themselves.
Encourage Open Dialogues: Create a safe space for people to talk about their feelings and struggles. This can be done through informal conversations or structured support groups.
Promote Mental Health Resources: Familiarize yourself with local mental health resources and crisis intervention services. The Canadian Suicide Crisis Helpline is a 24/7 service that can be reached by calling or texting 988. We have listed other resources at the end of this blog post.
Suicide Prevention Month serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that mental health awareness and proactive support can have. By breaking down stigma, recognizing warning signs, and fostering open conversations, we can all have a significant impact on preventing suicide. Together, we can build a more compassionate and informed society, ultimately saving lives and offering hope to those in need.
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
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
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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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