(September 10, 2024, Kelowna, BC) September is National Suicide Prevention Month with September 10th specifically marking World Suicide Prevention Day. National Suicide Prevention Month is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, the many people who have been touched by suicide and those who have experienced suicidal thoughts. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope. Suicide can affect everyone regardless of gender, race, income, or family background.
KCR Community Resources (KCR) is responsible for providing Crisis Lines in the Central Okanagan and we are reminding people that help is just a call or text away on the new national 9-8-8 Suicide and Distress Line. In addition, KCR also manages three other Crisis Lines: 1-800-Suicide, 310-6789 Mental Health Support, and the 1-888-353-2273 Interior Crisis Line. All lines are monitored 24/7, 365 days of the year. No matter which line you call, you will be helped. All calls are confidential and both callers and responders maintain their anonymity. The 988 number also offers text support, which can be an easier way for those in crisis to connect, especially for younger people.
The phone and text support lines provide a “community safety net” to enable individuals and families with managing their mental health concerns, and to provide a non-judgmental ear to those who could benefit from engaging in collaborative problem-solving. Crisis Line Responders are trained, empathetic listeners who are there to support the caller or texter. They may refer individuals to appropriate community or professional resources and if needed may intervene in life-threatening or emergency situations.
This September, get informed about resources in the community that can help. In addition to maintaining the Crisis Lines, KCR also offers connections to resources in the community including the Suicide Prevention Handbook.
Suicide Stats:
- 11 people die by suicide in Canada every day (source: www.988.ca)
- Every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide across the globe (source: World Heath Organization)
- 11.8% of Canadians have had thoughts of suicide at some point (source: Health Canada)
- For every person who dies by suicide, as many as 135 people are impacted. (source: Cerel et al, 2018)
Myths about Suicide: (sourced from www.988.ca)
Myth: People considering suicide only want to end their life.
Fact: Most people with suicide ideation or who attempt suicide, don’t necessarily want to die, but they do want to end their emotional pain. They may be overcome with hopelessness and unable to see another way out of their situation. They may have lost their sense of connection to the people around
them. But thoughts of suicide can pass, and people who have thought about or attempted suicide in the past can go on to live full and rich lives when they receive the support they need.
Myth: Suicide is caused by mental illness
Fact: There is no single cause of suicide. Having a mental health problem can increase your risk of suicide, but many factors and circumstances can contribute to someone’s thoughts of ending their life. Things like loss, addictions, trauma, depression, serious physical illness, and major life changes can make some people feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. It isn’t necessarily the nature of the loss or stress that makes someone want to end their life — it’s the feeling that these things are unbearable. Talking to someone about what you are going through can help ease that pain. If you are feeling like this, remember you can reach out to us any time.
Myth: It’s dangerous to ask someone if they are considering suicide
Fact: Talking about suicide does not make someone more suicidal. Asking someone if they have been thinking about suicide can open up the conversation and help them share their feelings. They may well be glad that you asked. Find out more about how to talk to someone you are worried about.
In fact, talking about suicide and removing the stigma of it, are important steps in changing the narrative around suicide, which is part of creating awareness of the resources available to people, including help through Crisis Lines like 988.
For More Information, contact:
Dorothee Birker
Communications & Development Manager
KCR Community Resources
P: 250-860-4911
