Embrace Life — Suicide is Everyone’s Loss.
That is the slogan that will be on buttons being handed out around the community on Suicide Prevention Day this Saturday, Sept. 10 along with invitations to a suicide awareness/prevention event on Sept. 27.
Crisis Line associations throughout B.C. are holding events.
Suicide is not a topic that most people are comfortable talking about, yet every year there are approximately 4,000 people in Canada alone who die by suicide.
It appears that not talking about it isn’t working.
The Williams Lake and Area Suicide/Sudden Death Committee wants you to be aware of the risks, and warning signs of suicide, and how to cope with suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
If a person shows sudden changes in behaviour, has a recent trauma or loss, talks about wanting to die or wanting to go away, talks about or writes notes, draws pictures about death/suicide, gives away personal things, abuses alcohol or drugs, it’s important to follow the ABCs: Act now.
Be supportive and listen. Call for help and stay with the person.
Remember to tell someone else and get help — you don’t need to do it alone.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention prepared a Blueprint for Canadian National Suicide Prevention Strategy with other organizations and individuals in 2004, with an updated version printed in 2009. To check out this information go to www.suicideprevention.ca
Crisis Lines in British Columbia answer more than 140,000 calls yearly. Of these calls 10 to 14,000 callers talk about their suicidal thoughts, intentions or of their concerns for another being suicidal.
Talking saves lives. Your local after-hours Crisis Line number is 250-398-8224 or toll free 1-800-704-4264.
During office hours, the local Crisis Line counsellors can be reached at 250-398-8220 or people can walk in to the office located at 51 Fourth Ave., South in Williams Lake.
The local Crisis Line is seeking more volunteers and will be offering the next training session starting on Sept. 20.