September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects countless Canadians. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (2019), it is estimated that 11.8% of Canadians aged 15 years and older, experience thoughts of suicide in their lifetime.

Suicide can be prevented and there is a role that we can each take to help.

Learning about suicide, including some of the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide and how to provide support can go a long way. 

According to the Government of Canada (2020), people who consider suicide, or are at risk of suicide, may exhibit certain signs, including:

• Discussions of suicide and thoughts of suicide or having a suicide plan.
• Spending noticeably less time with family, friends, or activities.
• Significant mood changes, such as anger, sadness, or feelings of helplessness.
• Becoming less hopeful about the future, a belief that there is a lack of purpose in one’s life, and expressing doubt that life will get better.
• Increased substance use, such as drugs, alcohol and inhalants
• Expressing doubts about their ability to cope with the current situation and a belief that there is ‘no way out’.
• Referring to oneself as being a “burden” to others, or disclosing that they are in intolerable or unbearable pain.

Individuals who are at risk of suicide may also express that they have reached a point where they believe they are unable to control what is causing their pain.

They may report feeling stuck and discouraged with trying different self-help techniques and having no, or limited, success.

They may express that their pain has grown so much that it feels consuming.

It is important to be aware that not everyone who experiences suicidal thoughts may show these signs.

Why does someone consider suicide?

There is no single cause or explanation as to why an individual considers suicide, as each experience is personal and unique. However, we may be able to understand thoughts of suicide, or suicide-related behaviours, as stemming from a combination of personal, social, biological, spiritual and cultural factors.

We also know that there are certain conditions, factors, actions, and behaviours that can help decrease one’s risk of suicide. These are known as “Protective Factors”. Protective Factors can help individuals bounce back from life stressors.  Examples of Protective Factors, provided by the Government of Canada:

• A healthy self-esteem and confidence in one self.
• A good social support system, a sense of hope, purpose, belonging and meaning.
• A positive relationship with a medical or mental health provider.
• A sense of belonging and connectedness with family, friends, culture, and community.
• Having access to good community services and supports, including health services, and mental health services.
• Knowing effective coping skills, resolution techniques, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to new situations.
• Inclusive and supportive environments where one feels accepted and valued, i.e. peer, school, teams, clubs, workplace, community.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts:

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Help is available and research shows that if you are having thoughts of suicide, asking for help is beneficial and can prevent suicide.

For inspiration, take a look at these messages of hope written by individuals who have experiences of contemplating suicide:

“It will get better! One step at a time, one minute at a time—you’ve got this!”

“Honestly, it won’t always feel this bad and it WILL get better. You are worth it, please keep going.”

These messages are meant to provide hope to anyone who may be struggling or considering suicide.

How Yorktown’s Rapid Access Therapy (Virtual & In-Person) Can Help

Rapid Access (RA) therapy is an ongoing program that runs year-round, six days a week, and is one of Yorktown Family Services’ core programs. In March of 2020, Yorktown began to offer Rapid Access therapy virtually via phone and secure web conferencing, in response to the stay-at-home directives due to the pandemic. Virtual Rapid Access proved to be a highly successful format for mental health support delivery and has been incorporated as a permanent offering. We have expanded our hybrid model of Rapid Access therapy to six days a week to respond to the increase in demand for service. 

Our therapists can help with all sorts of concerns. Many clients call us or come in-person to talk about suicidal thoughts and feelings. Talking about suicide can be difficult and many of our clients aren’t sure how to begin the conversation. The first step is to call us at 416-669-3521 or come in person to the What’s Up Walk-in® for a one-to-one session with a mental health therapist.

Yorktown Family Services Virtual and In-Person Therapists can:

• Listen to you about your concerns, challenges, and struggles that may be making telling your story difficult, or prevent you from telling a family member or friend about what you are experiencing. 
• Help you to identify what supports you need.
• Help you to develop a safety plan, so that you have a list of available coping strategies, resources, and crisis numbers on hand whenever you need it.

To be connected to a Yorktown Virtual or In-Person counsellor or to learn more about Yorktown Family Services and the services and programs we provide please call us at 416-669-3521 or come in person to the West Toronto Youth Wellness Hub, located at 1541 Jane St, Toronto ON M9N 2R3 or Centre Francophone at 555 Richmond Street West, Suite 303, Toronto, ON.

For locations and hours of operation, please click here: ​Rapid Access (RA) Therapy​.

If you or someone you know requires urgent medical or psychiatric attention, or are in crisis or experiencing a state of emergency:

• Visit your local emergency department or call 911
• Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
• Contact a 24-hour crisis line.

24 Hour Crisis Lines

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto:

Provides emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention, intervention & postvention, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Phone: 416-408-4357

Kids Help Phone: 

24/7 confidential phone & web counselling for children and youth.

 Phone:  1-800-668-6868

 Web:  www.kidshelpphone.ca

 Free Crisis Text Line:

To start using the texting service, text CONNECT to 686868.

The first few texts you receive will be automated messages from Kids Help Phone giving you more information about the service.

References:
Government of Canada (2016, Sept 9). Suicide: risks and prevention. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/suicide-prevention/suicide-risks-prevention.html#a2

1. Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2018). Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt. http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca
2. Government of Canada (2019, July 18). Suicide in Canada: Key statistics (infographic). https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-key-statistics-infographic.html
3. Government of Canada (2020, Aug 13). Preventing Suicide: warning signs and how to help. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/suicide-prevention/warning-signs.html