A 2016 survey of 1,319 Canadian teens aged 13 to 18 conducted by Kids Help Phone found one in five seriously considered suicide.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which is an opportunity for everyone impacted by suicide to join together to promote understanding and emphasize prevention strategies.
Why does someone consider suicide? Sometimes life can be painful and problems often seem overwhelming. People who consider suicide often feel that it is the only way out of their problems. They believe nobody can help them. However, this isn’t the case. Yorktown Family Services is here to help.
Are you depressed or feeling down? You are not alone. Talk to someone you trust, and get help by visiting a “what’s up” walk-in clinic to talk.
If you think that someone you know is in crisis, here are some ways you can help, offered by www.canada.ca:
- Ask a direct question – “are you thinking about suicide?”
- Listen and show concern. Allow them to express their feelings.
- Talk with them and reassure they are not alone.
- Let them know you care.
- Connect them with a crisis line, counsellor and/or a trusted person (neighbour, friend, family member, teacher, or elder).
- If life is in danger, call 9-1-1 or take them to the nearest hospital’s emergency department.
Yorktown is here for you.