World Suicide Prevention Day

Approximately 4,000 Canadians die by suicide each year. It is the second-most common cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24 but anyone can be at risk of suicide regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status or race.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.) joins the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) in inviting all individuals and communities to find a way to recognize and support World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10th. It can be as simple as sending a message to those who are in despair, those who are grieving, and those who are supporting someone who is struggling with life’s challenges. By spreading the word that help, hope and healing are possible, we can work together to prevent suicide.

On September 9 and 10, the public is invited to gather at a candlelight vigil in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

The vigils are a memorial to those who have lost their lives to suicide and offers support to the loved ones of those who have died by suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day raises awareness about suicide, mental health concerns and suicide prevention. More information about these vigils is available below.

According to the World Health Organization, close to 800,000 people around the world die by suicide each year. This does not include those who attempt.

“Overall, it is estimated that for each adult who died of suicide there were over 20 others who made suicide attempts,” says Tanya Kowalenko, Educator and Event Planner for C.M.H.A. H.K. P.R..

“We want people who are despairing and thinking about suicide to know that there is help available. All you need to do is to ask for help.”

Talking about suicide can provide relief and being a listener is the best intervention anyone can give. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Take all threats or attempts seriously
• Be aware and learn warning signs of suicide
• Be direct and ask if the person is thinking of suicide. If the answer is yes, ask if the person has a plan and what the time line is.
• Be non-judgmental and empathic
• Do not minimize the feelings expressed by the person
• Do not be sworn to secrecy…seek out the support of appropriate professionals
• Ask if there is anything you can do

To learn more, consider enrolling in one of our educational opportunities such as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) or safeTALK. For more information, please contact Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education by calling 705-748-6687 extension 1015 or email jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

September 9 – Kawartha Lakes

C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R., Community Care Health & Care Network’s Hospice Services (of Kawartha Lakes) and the HKPR District Health Unit present the “Take a Minute, Change a Life” free public event. The event will be at 112 McLaughlin Rd. in Lindsay – the site of the Hospice labyrinth garden. The event begins at 6 p.m. with information available about local community resources, followed by a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m.

“Local organizations such as ours are working together to prevent suicide, which requires the efforts of many,” says Jack Veitch, C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.’s Manager of Community Engagement and Education.

September 10 – Peterborough

Community resources will be available behind the Silver Bean Café (130 King St., Peterborough) from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, followed by the seventh annual vigil. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.), Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough and Hospice Peterborough, hosts the event.

Anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis is encouraged to contact Four County Crisis at 705-745-6484 or toll-free at 1-866-995-9933. Individuals can also call Telecare Peterborough at 705-745-2273. Hospice Peterborough provides bereavement support services to survivors of suicide.