World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10, 2017

CMHA commemorates World Suicide Prevention Day

Each small moment can add up to make a big difference.

That’s the message individuals, organizations, policy makers and advocates are sharing this year to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10.

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) estimates that each day in Canada, 11 people end their life and 210 make a suicide attempt. Suicide occurs across all age, economic, social, and ethnic boundaries. The tragedy of suicide impacts the entire community

Raising awareness opens doors to help, hope and healing. CASP is encouraging Canadians to participate in WSPD and take a minute to:

• Wear a suicide prevention ribbon
• Speak up and share the message on social media that help is available
• Reach out to a friend or family member who may be struggling and ask them if they want to talk

CMHA Peel Dufferin offers 24.7 Crisis support to adults (16 years and over) experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis; individuals having difficulties coping; and family, caregivers and friends needing support. Our team of registered health professionals may also visit you where you are to provide support. Our crisis team may include mental health workers, nurses, social workers and specially trained plain-clothes police officers. We may also provide ongoing telephone support and connect you to others who can help.

Though not all suicides can be prevented, some strategies can help reduce the risk, such as:

• Seeking treatment, care and support for mental health concerns — and building a good relationship with a doctor or other health professional
• Staying connected with a care team or community-based program to help manage stress and monitor for thoughts of suicide
• Building social support networks, such as family, friends, a peer support or support group, or connections with a cultural or faith community
• Learning good coping skills to deal with problems, and trusting in coping abilities

Universal prevention strategies recommended by the World Health Organization also include increasing access to health care and responsible media reporting.

For more information or to learn more about the suicide prevention or positive mental health, contact CMHA CMHA Peel Dufferin at 905-451-2123.