Sept. 10: Communities can help prevent suicide
By Contributor
The numbers are disturbing.
In Canada suicide claims the lives of more than 3500 people each year. In 2009, over 500 deaths in B.C. were attributed to suicide.
Hospitalization due to self harming and suicidal behaviours is even more common. Between 2008 and 2009, there were over 3000 self-inflicted injuries that required hospitalization in B.C. and some of those injuries were by children as young as 10 years old.
The impact of suicide is widespread, affecting millions of Canadians, including family, friends and communities who lose someone close to them.
“There are many things communities can do to prevent suicide. Recognizing the signs of suicide and creating suicide-safer communities are key to helping people at risk,” said Jenny Turco, population health facilitator with Interior Health.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, events will take place across Canada and around the world to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
This year the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with LivingWorks Education has chosen “Building Suicide-Safer Communities” as its theme.
“A Suicide-Safer Community is one that demonstrates a commitment to suicide prevention, provides compassionate care and support to those bereaved by suicide and promotes the mental health and wellness of its citizens,” added Turco.
“It’s important communities address the issue openly so that people at risk feel comfortable speaking up and seeking help from someone they can trust.”
What can your community do to become suicide safer?
- Provide public education and awareness about the warning signs of suicide
- Provide support to people bereaved by suicide
- Promote the mental health and well being of all its citizens by providing opportunities to strengthen family, school and cultural connections
- Promote opportunities for community involvement and decision making
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) and LivingWorks Education recognize it is critically important for communities to establish their own suicide prevention action plans based on their unique character and needs.
A “Building a Suicide-Safer Community” web page has been developed to assist communities.
To learn how to get involved and become a designated “Building Suicide Safer Community” visit: www.suicidesafercommunities.com or www.suicideprevention.ca.
Help is available for those who are feeling suicidal through crisis lines such as 1-800 SUICIDE, local Mental Health and Substance Use Services, family physicians and hospitals.
Many communities also offer suicide survivor support groups. Websites such as http://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca or http://youthinbc.com/ are also available.
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