With school back in session and many people back to work from summer holiday’s we approach an important date. On September 10th I’ll be wearing an orange and yellow ribbon signifying hope for suicide prevention and awareness.
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. If you had asked me last year what September 10th meant I couldn’t have told you. For many, suicide is an uncomfortable topic and often not discussed. Those experiencing thoughts of ending their lives largely stay silent or offer subtle hints that are missed or dismissed by the people around them. Unfortunately tragic events do occur as a result of this silence, causing much sadness, despair, and heartache for loved ones bereaved by suicide. I was one of the silent ones. Thankfully I survived. I eventually learned there are resources in place to help people like me. There are even resources to help those who are left behind when suicide happens. Unfortunately, these supports often go un-accessed, when they could be used to help alleviate some of the horrible pain caused by suicide.
When I attempted suicide the pain at the time was simply overwhelming. I had exceeded my coping abilities. The thought of ending my life, while not a pleasant thing to think about, was all that would run through my head…I needed an escape. I thought suicide was my only option. Fortunately, something in me chose to speak up. I pushed aside my fears of talking about an uncomfortable topic, and I was able to get the help I needed. As a result I’m here today to talk about suicide and hopefully educate others. I can speak first hand that resources do exist to prevent suicide. Most are simply a phone call away.
I had exceeded my coping abilities…I needed an escape.
Today I’ve become passionate about mental health and suicide prevention. I see that as a member of society I have a role to play in preventing others from making the same mistake I nearly did.
In Canada suicide is the 9th leading cause of death. Globally, one person takes their own life every 40 seconds. In the time it has taken you to read this someone has died as a result of suicide. I don’t say this to scare but rather outline the importance of being aware.
In Canada, the majority of suicides are not publicized in the media and many suicides go unreported entirely. “Unknown cause of death” is a familiar phrase to many. There is some good news, however, in the fact that most suicides are preventable!
Most people thinking about suicide don’t really want to die.
Like me at one point, most people thinking about suicide don’t really want to die. They seek a way to end the terrible pain they are in. Their minds become overwhelmed with the thoughts of suicide as a way out of that pain. My desire is to show these people a different path by giving voice to this topic. And I hope you will too.
Rather than shying away or dismissing their sometimes subtle hints that not all is okay beneath the surface, peel back the onion. Join me in helping these people find a less lethal way to move through the problems they may be facing. Let’s show these people they have value, and that there are people that care.
Nobody is immune to suicide. It’s not merely reserved for those with a diagnosed mental illness. These people are not “crazy.” They may be normal, high functioning individuals with a steady job and a loving family at home. Suicide may be more common in some age groups and demographics, but it can and does occur in almost all age groups, young and elderly, and cultures. That makes it all the more important for us to become more comfortable with the concept of suicide. The more we confront it with knowledge the less discomfort we feel talking about it. And the less discomfort we feel talking about suicide, the more likely it is those who are at risk will talk openly to us, so we can help connect them to the supports they need. Most importantly, as we push past the unhealthy boundary of not talking about suicide, we can equip ourselves for the possibility that we may encounter suicide in our own lives.
This September 10th I challenge people to…open the lines of communication around this vital topic.
With this hectic time of year, as the seasons change, workloads increase, and stress mounts, we may become more vulnerable. A good first step to mitigate the risk of suicide is to look up the number to a crisis hotline in your area. A simple Google search will do. Or click here for a list of national supports. You never know when you may need it. Also, know the route to the nearest emergency room. You can also look up common warning signs for suicide, or consider taking a course such as safeTALK or ASIST; both recognized worldwide. Get trained by professionals on how to help someone at risk of suicide.
…there is hope!
This September 10th I challenge people to be prepared, confident, and to open the lines of communication around this vital topic. Resources do exist. We can work together to make our communities safer from suicide. And above all, let’s remember there is hope!
The Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council will be holding their annual event on
September 10th from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Victoria Park in Kitchener
in and around the pavilion.
Click here for event details.
About our guest blogger
Chris is certified in safeTALK, ASIST, “ASK”, and Mental Health First Aid. As an honours college graduate Chris embarked on a successful career in management. The heavy workload and list of demands eventually took their toll and Chris suffered his own mental health crisis. After seeking treatment, his experience sparked a passion in him for mental health and suicide prevention. Today, he is a strong advocate in these areas. Chris has spent countless hours researching and studying mental health and the best approaches to helping others. Chris dedicates much of his time as a strong mental health advocate to break down stigma and help others draw upon his own experience, his professional training, and the stories of other’s he’s met along the way to bring hope to people suffering. Chris is currently working on a novel chronicling his own recovery. His very life serves as an example that recovery is possible. In Chris’ spare time he enjoys cheering on his favourite sports teams and sharing a good laugh with friends.