Open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour need to happen more frequently, to break down barriers and raise awareness for the prevention of suicides, say experts.
The intent of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) theme “Change the Narrative on Suicide” encourages people to open up and start that important dialogue.
The World Health Organization’s own statistics point to hundreds of thousands of lives lost globally on an annual basis due to suicide.
“Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.”
The World Health Organization goes on to state,
“Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better cultures of support.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) North Bay and District hosted a panel discussion and memorial event on September 10th, to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.
The intent of the event was to “foster open, honest conversations about suicide and provide a supportive space for the community.”
It also provided these staggering statistics,
“Every day 12 people die by suicide. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young adults aged 15-34, and 12 per cent of Canadians have contemplated suicide in their lifetime, and 3.1 per cent have attempted suicide.”
Panelists, Wade and Dana Ringler, shared their story about their brother Chad who died by suicide in January 2023.
“He was my brother, my best friend. Chad was a member of the North Bay Fire Department for 27 years. We did everything together. Chad was an incredible human. He was kind, compassionate, cared so much for everybody and helped so many people in his life. He was the guy people went to with their problems. He was a great bright light, and I was proud to call him my brother,” shared Wade.
The siblings have since formed Chat4Chad.
Their slogan encourages people to talk “early, often and now.”
“When we talk about early, we’re talking about giving children the supports they need and the tools they need to be able to feel comfortable to talk when they’re young and if we do that early in life, it is going to help them through the challenges ahead,” explained Wade.
“And when we talk about often, we talk about making these discussions normal. We have to make it safe; we have to make this something we do on a regular basis. Like anything in life, the more we do it, the better we get at it, and talking is no different.”
Simply put now means now.
“We need to work on this now. We need to make it better now and we need it okay for people to talk and feel safe and create an environment that is judgement free so we can take a step in the right direction.”
As a child and family therapist at Hands the Family Help Network, Dawn Wallace spoke about the ripple effect suicide has on the family members and friends left behind, and the importance of getting the conversation started.
She would like to see peer support in schools for young people, so they can have these important conversations.
“It is a really hard subject, people don’t want to talk about it, yet it is so vital. So, maybe taking one person at a time and letting them realize that suicide happens. But it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
Cris Redden from Consulting, Debriefing, Psychotherapy says we shouldn’t be afraid to ask a loved one or friend if they are okay, especially if something about them seems a little off.
“Ask them if they are alright and offer to listen. You can say, ‘You don’t seem to be yourself lately, do you want to tell me about it?’”
Wallace noted that sometimes there is no indication that anything is wrong, just your gut feeling.
“But anytime anybody indicates any type of helplessness or hopelessness, those would be two things I would be looking at as well.”
Kayla Venturini is a training coordinator with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
People can call the office to find out what supports and training programs are available.
“Sometimes people don’t know where to start, that’s the biggest problem.”
Audience member Seth Compton, executive director at Outloud North Bay, pointed out that there is still a lot of work to be done.
“I see the gaps in services. That is one of the reasons why we opened Outloud, to fill those gaps. Today was a clear indication that we need to come together.”
The audience heard an example where one person asking for help was told they were seeking attention.
“ We had some professionals up there describing exactly that, and that’s what we hear from the kids. We have to put our trust in our kids and we have to listen,” Compton noted.
The evening wrapped up with Light a Flame of Hope Candle Vigil, a global event symbolizing remembrance and hope.
Help is available.
For immediate help: Suicide Crisis Helpline, call or text 9-8-8 if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
Kids Help Phone: Text 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868 Chat: KidsHelpPhone.ca
The Crisis Line, available 24/7 for North Bay and area is 1-800-352-1141.
If you are thinking about suicide call or text 9-8-8 anytime.
The Hope for Wellness Helpline: (Crisis Support for Indigenous Peoples)
Is 1-855-242-3310.
Hands the Family Help Network provides counselling and therapy support for children, youth and their families.
The Mental Health Crisis Line for Children and Youth is: 1-844-287-9072
