One of the most difficult topics to talk about is suicide, yet each one of us has been impacted by suicide in one way or another.
In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Williams Lake and Area Suicide/Sudden Death committee will hold a gathering in Boitanio Park on Wednesday, Sept. 14 starting at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and a workshop at the Senior’s Activity Centre
We will meet at the park for a short gathering to remember those who have died by suicide, and then we will walk over to the Senior’s Activity Centre for lunch.
After lunch there will be a two-hour workshop on suicide prevention in older adults.
This workshop is open to anyone who is concerned about an older person in his or her life; works with older adults, or wants to learn how to help someone who is feeling suicidal.
If you would like to attend, please register by calling 250-398-8220 ext. 2001(by Monday, Sept. 12).
Awareness is essential to stopping suicide. In order to gain awareness and understanding, we need to talk about suicide and the impact it has.
Every year Canada loses approximately 4,000 people to suicide.
Statistics show that every week 10 people age 60 and older die by suicide and approximately 1,000 older adults are admitted to Canadian Hospitals each year as a consequence of intentional harm (CASP- Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention).
Suicide prevention is everybody’s business.
We each have a role to play.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Some risk factors for suicide in older adults:
• Experience of a suicide loss
• Living alone/social isolation
• Physical handicaps
• Negative life events and transitions
• Depression
Some protective factors to prevent suicide in older adults:
• Good health/health practices
• Strong social network and contact
• Family/friends support
• Active interests
• Feeling a purpose in life
In October, theCanadian Mental Health Association Cariboo Chilcotin Branch will also be holding a Crisis Line Training.
If you are 19 years or older and are interested in volunteering on the Crisis Line, please contact Janice Breck at 250-398-8220 ext. 2040 or by e-mail janice.breck@cmhawl.org.
Janice Breck is the Crisis and Counselling Program Manager with the Canadian Mental Health Association Cariboo Chilcotin Branch.