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What You Know Could Save a Life

Would you know if someone close to you was contemplating suicide? Knowing the signs could help you save the life of someone you love.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day and events will take place across Canada and around the world to promote suicide awareness and prevention. This year, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention has chosen the theme - What do you know? What do you need to know? What you know could save a life.

Each year in Canada, suicide claims the lives of approximately 4000 Canadians. In 2008, almost 500 deaths in B.C. were attributed to suicide. The impacts of suicide are widespread, affecting millions of Canadians, including family, friends and community members who lose someone close to them. “Recognizing the signs and looking at community approaches to prevention are key to helping people at risk,” says Jenny Turco, Population Health Facilitator with Interior Health.

Suicidal thoughts and attempts are much more common than suicide deaths. For every one suicide, there are an estimated twenty suicide attempts. “It’s important that communities address the issue openly so people at risk feel comfortable speaking up and seeking help from someone they trust and/or from a healthcare professional,” adds Turco.

How can suicide be prevented? There is no one easy answer, but knowing the warning signs can help you assist someone at risk.

Warning signs of suicide
• Threatens to attempt suicide
• Talks about wanting to die
• Has made suicide attempts in the past
• Sudden changes in behaviour, appearance or mood
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Deliberately injures themselves
• Appears depressed, sad, withdrawn
• Gives away personal possessions

How you can help
• Stay calm and listen
• Let the person talk about their feelings
• Be accepting; do not judge
• Ask if the person is thinking about suicide
• Take all threats of suicide seriously
• Do not promise secrecy - tell someone
• Connect the person with professional help.

Learning about the resources available can also assist in the prevention, intervention and treatment of suicidal behaviour. Help is available for those who are feeling suicidal through crisis lines such as 1-800 SUICIDE, local Mental Health and Addictions 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.

Community-based approaches to suicide prevention include suicide prevention planning committees, inclusive community development practices, peer mentorship, programs and activities that promote family, school and cultural connections, and individual coping and problem-solving skills.

Some organizations also offer suicide awareness and intervention workshops. For more information on suicide awareness and intervention workshops visit http://www.livingworks.net/, or attend one of the World Suicide Prevention Day events happening in communities across the region on September 10th.

Suicide Awareness and Intervention Skills Training Events:

Kelowna
Okanagan Suicide Awareness Society (OSAS) is offering Suicide Talk - a free education event for the public by LivingWorks Education.
Where: Canadian Mental Health Association, 504 Sutherland Ave. Kelowna
When: September 10th from 10am-12pm
Details can be found at www.suicideawareness.ca

100 Mile House
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Workshop
Where: South Cariboo Health Center
When: September 21st–22nd.
To register, please call Donna Reichardt @ 250-395-7676. Cost is $100 or free for Interior Health staff.

Williams Lake:
Suicide Memorial & Awareness Gathering
Where: Boitano Park
When: September 10, 2010 from 3:30pm -6pm
For more information: Bettina Schoen, Williams Lake & Area Suicide/Sudden Death Committee,
250-305-4420

Media, for more information Contact:
Jenny Turco, Population Health Facilitator, Youth Suicide Prevention, Interior Health
(250) 851-7387


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