World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10

“It’s important for people who are in a good place to take a moment to recognize that not everybody is,” explains Adkins. “So those small gestures like a smile, a kind word, a hug can go along way for people who aren’t in a good place, so we encourage people to do that. Secondly, the day is an awareness opportunity that suicide is a real thing and it’s a big deal and a big concern and there is help out there, so we’re encouraging people to reach out and ask for help if they need it and get that support because they’re never alone, there’s always 24 hour access to somebody who will listen.”

She adds that many people have lost loved ones to suicide and that too should be acknowledged and recognized as well.

“For Alberta, our stats are actually down which is great and that can be attributed to a number of factors,” she exclaims. “Things such as the accessibility of services, they breaking down of stigmas and the awareness that help is available and the opportunity for people to ask for help without that judgement and not worry that they’ll be thought of differently simply because they need some help.”

Adkins says the most important message to get across is that there’s no shame in asking for help.

“Struggling with whatever it is your struggling with is a human experience,” states Adkins. “You’re never, ever alone, there’s always support out there whether that’s 24-hour support or our outreach services which are free to the community, any age, any walk of life and that’s simply made through a phone call.”

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association:

1. Every day in Alberta, more than one person will die as a result of a suicide
2. Approximately 500 Albertans die by suicide each year
3. Suicide is consistently a leading cause of death among Albertans
4. Suicide claims more lives annually than other more openly discussed issues such as motor vehicle collisions and homicides
5. Over 75% of those deaths are men, most between the ages of 30-69.

For more information on suicide prevention services in central Alberta, visit suicidehelp.ca.

by Sheldon Spackman

World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10

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