Tuesday, September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.
In Canada, around 4200-4500 people die by suicide.
Melanie McGregor, CMHA Halton Region Branch’s Health Promotion and Advancement Specialist, reminds everyone that death by suicide doesn’t give us the whole picture.
In Halton, 34-35 people die by suicide each year.
McGregor gives us an idea of suicide statistics across Canada.
She says that there is also a large number of people who are affected by other people’s suicide.
McGregor talks about the loved ones who are left behind.
She adds that, when it comes to suicide, loved ones are often left with more questions than answers.
McGregor says there is a support group in Halton for those who are grieving a loss.
McGregor talks about the importance of today.
McGregor encourages people to talk about suicide as it is the only way we can save lives.
Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, CMHA launched their Be Safe app.
CMHA Halton Region Branch’s Health Promotion and Advancement Specialist, Melanie McGregor, talks about the app.
The app is customized to your community so that the user has access to resources within their community.
McGregor encourages that if you are in a crisis or are worried about a loved one, you can call COAST – a 24/7 crisis line that helps callers make a safety plan.
Their phone number is 1-877-825-9011.
She also encourages people to educate themselves about suicide by taking a two day course called Asist.
Asist helps people find the tools to talk about suicide and to help others stay safe
