Today is World Mental Health Day. This year the focus is on working together to prevent suicide.
Every 40 seconds someone loses their life to suicide.
In Canada
- approximately 10 people die by suicide each day
- suicide is the second leading cause of death in Canadians aged 10 through 29
- for every 1 death caused by suicide there are 25 to 30 suicide attempts
Many people do not discuss suicide because of the stigma associated with it. A common myth is that openly discussing suicide will cause a person to consider suicide – this is NOT true! We need to raise awareness about suicide in order to break the silence and start the conversations. Suicide is preventable.
Asking someone about suicide or talking about suicide can be scary. However, it is important that people know that it is okay to talk about how they are feeling and what they are thinking. People need to know that they are not alone – show you care!
One method to use in order to feel more comfortable discussing suicide is the TALK steps:
Tell – most people will not openly and directly tell someone they are considering suicide. Be aware of subtle cues:
- See: weepy or crying, disheveled in appearance, withdrawn, giving away possessions
- Hear: messages of distress or hopelessness, such as “I can’t take this anymore”
- Sense: range of emotions from hopelessness, despair, anger, numbness
- Learn: sharing information about trauma or life events
Ask – it is okay to be open and direct when asking someone about suicide
Listen – let the person share how they are feeling and why they are thinking about suicide
Keep safe – ensure the person is connected with resources (such as those listed below) or a professional
The following helpline services are available 24 hours 7 days a week:
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
Distress Centre Durham: 1-905-430-2522
Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868
