World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10th

Sep 7, 2023

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) is Recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day with Those ‘Creating Hope Through Action’

Suicide is about pain. According to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, approximately 4500 people die by suicide each year in Canada. Each suicide profoundly affects many more people, it is estimated that 7-10 people are deeply impacted. This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Creating Hope Through Action.’ The theme serves as a call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions, we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.

“World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th is a day of reflection to look at the key theme of creating hope through action, which is a global reminder that our action- big or small may provide hope to those who are struggling with increased emotional pain. Many of us have been touched by suicide. September 10th is a day to remember, reflect and support,” says Sukhi Brar, CMHA WW Clinical Lead, Suicide Prevention and Postvention.

The Debney family is hosting their 10th annual Suicide Prevention Fundraiser on Friday September 15th in loving memory of Gordon Clarke Debney. We are also hosting an auction as part of the fundraiser, click here to bid on the items, including a signed Reklaw’s Jacket, a

“World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th is a day of reflection to look at the key theme of creating hope through action, which is a global reminder that our action- big or small may provide hope to those who are struggling with increased emotional pain. Many of us have been touched by suicide. September 10th is a day to remember, reflect and support,” says Sukhi Brar, CMHA WW Clinical Lead, Suicide Prevention and Postvention.

The Debney family is hosting their 10th annual Suicide Prevention Fundraiser on Friday September 15th in loving memory of Gordon Clarke Debney. We are also hosting an auction as part of the fundraiser, click here to bid on the items, including a signed Reklaw’s Jacket, a #23 Vanvleet Toronto Raptors Jersey, and an NHL Boston Bruins Puck Signed by Dimtry Orlov. Depression doesn’t discriminate. Gordo was a well-loved, funny, handsome, young, well kept, great guy who loved the Leafs and who suffered silently with the crippling weight of depression. He lost his battle, August 21, 2014 – three weeks before his 30th birthday. The Debney family have worked tirelessly raising funds and awareness for ten years to fight Gordo’s lost battle, and in turn spare as many families the heart ache they’ve suffered. Their personal story is sadly the story of many, everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention.

The warning signs of suicide are not always obvious and so it is important to be alert and aware of what to look for, some warning signs when it comes to suicide risk are:

• Losing interest in a previously enjoyed hobby or activity
• Disconnecting from friends or family (not calling as much, not going out)
• Giving away possessions, putting affairs in order
• Feeling hopeless, desperate, trapped
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Higher levels of irritability or anger
• More risk taking with ambivalence about the consequences
• Denying or not experiencing feelings and emotions (suggest :sudden mood changes instead)
• Making off hand or uncharacteristic comments of hopelessness or expressing feelings of being a burden to others
• Talking about wanting to die or taking their own life
• Looking for a way to take their own life or already having a plan.
  

For older adults social isolation is a major suicide risk factor. We can Create Hope Through Action by building a deliberately inclusive, compassionate community. Showing that older adults are valued daily, and reaching out proactively to invite older adults in for support.

Learn to spot key risk factors for older adults: social isolation, loneliness, substance use, history of previous suicide attempt, death of spouse/child, unmanaged physical illness.

Visit CCSMH to learn more about suicide prevention for older adults: Suicide Risk and Prevention of Suicide – Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (ccsmh.ca)

If you are in crisis or need support for you or a loved one, please call our Here 24/7 crisis line at 1-844-437-3247 (Here 247).