World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day

By Rachel

Once again, World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on September 10. It is a day where people reflect on their lost loved ones and talk about how to make a difference. Here are a few headlines that came out this year:

 

  • Senator Denise Batters spoke out about the suicide of her husband Dave Batters back in 2009. Dave Batters had chosen not to run as an MP the year before because he was suffering from mental health issues. The senator wants to tell people who are suffering to “Please reach out. There is help for you and there is hope”.

 

  • The WHO (World Health Organization) published a news release stating that one person dies of suicide every 40 seconds. Unfortunately, only 38 countries have adopted government strategies to deal with this. It is currently the second leading cause of death among people aged 15-29. They are currently, in collaboration with other partners, running a 40 seconds of action campaign, which will culminate on October 10th.

 

  • Sarah Routhier, who was widowed last year when her husband, Sylvain, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer died by suicide. He was one of 5 OPP officers who died by suicide in 2018. This has caused the OPP to implement changes to, hopefully, decrease this number.

 

  • The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, often known as SickKids, is launching a clinical trial to see what treatment methods may help support youth with mental health and suicide concerns. They hope to implement a national program across Canada to help curb the rising youth suicide rates.

 

  • Multiple suicide walks and vigils occurred across Canada and the US on Sept. 10, commemorating those lost to suicide and raising awareness. Texas A&M, Corner Brook Newfoundland and High Level Bridge Edmonton were just some of the places who came together in remembrance and hope for the future.

 

If you or your loved ones have been thinking about suicide, never be ashamed to seek help. If you are struggling with mental health issues, see what resources are available in your community and online to support you through these difficult periods in your life. You can find links by province on our Resources Page.