The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division joins people with lived experience of a mental health issue, their families, policy makers, advocates, researchers and others who come together every year on Sept. 10 to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day. More than 800,000 people worldwide – including about 4,000 Canadians – die by suicide every year.
World Suicide Prevention Day is presented annually by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and is aimed at spreading awareness and breaking the silence about this issue. This year’s theme, ‘Connect, Communicate, Care’ captures the heart of suicide prevention.
CMHA branches across the province work daily to share strategies to prevent the tragedy of suicide.
Though not all suicides can be prevented, some strategies can help reduce the risk, such as:
- Seeking treatment, care and support for mental health concerns — and building a good relationship with a doctor or other health professionals
- Staying connected with a care team or community-based program to help manage stress and monitor for thoughts of suicide
- Building social support networks, such as family, friends, a peer support or support group, or connections with a cultural or faith community
- Learning good coping skills to deal with problems, and trusting in coping abilities
Universal prevention strategies recommended by the World Health Organization also include increasing access to health care and responsible media reporting.
For more information or to learn more about the suicide prevention or positive mental health, contact your local CMHA branch.