Weekly News Roundup Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, 2024

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Letters to the Editor – Globe and Mail
January 27, 2024
In a recent Globe and Mail opinion article, We need to talk openly about suicide, Trina Moyles talks about her experience of loss following the suicide of her older brother. Centre for Suicide Prevention executive director Mara Grunau wrote a letter to the editor praising Moyles’ piece, and highlighting the importance of suicide prevention, “People considering suicide are experiencing debilitating psychological pain and burden – not selfishness – so intense they can’t see a way out of their darkness. Kindness, social connection, open conversation and community-based mental health care are salves for this lonely, isolated condition – both for people wrestling with suicidal thoughts and for grieving loved ones.”

‘Canada is far behind’: Experts urge national suicide strategy – CTV News
January 31, 2024
A letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from the International Association for Suicide Prevention is calling on the federal government to adopt a national suicide prevention strategy. The letter was signed by 121 experts from 30 countries as members of the Partnerships for Life Global Initiative to Prevent Suicide, including Centre for Suicide Prevention. It was endorsed by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Ottawa and all members of the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada. Dr. Mark Sinyor, member of Partnerships for Life, associate professor at the University of Toronto and associate scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre said, “We are hopeful that this call will add momentum to Canadian efforts to enhance existing support for suicide prevention like the recent three-digit (988) national crisis line number.” Learn more about why a national strategy for suicide prevention is needed
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Manitoba children’s advocate reports lack of progress on youth suicide and addictions – CBC
February 1, 2024
Manitoba’s advocate for children and youth, Sherry Gott, has released her annual report on how well the  provincial government is complying with  recommendations made by the advocate’s office. The report said that overall compliance was good – 32% of recommendations were completed – but that this doesn’t necessarily translate to tangible improvements for children and families. Gott highlighted that recommendations to improve mental health, addictions, and disability services were not being implemented satisfactorily. Gott said, “Children, youth and young adults are suffering. They’re losing their lives, and we must move as quickly as possible to address them. This isn’t just a moral necessity, it is a legal one… We took a look at what is available, and there’s the bare minimum available for children, youth and young adults to access.”

National 988 suicide prevention helpline has received 1,000 calls, 450 texts per day since launch – CTV News
January 31, 2024
Three-digit dialing access to Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline via 9-8-8 has been available since November 2023. Since then, the line has received approximately 1000 calls and 450 texts per day. Allison Crawford, chief medical officer of the Suicide Crisis Helpline and psychiatrist with CAMH said these numbers align with what was projected, “This is kind of at the mid range, so well within the range of what we expected to receive and what we’re equipped to provide.” Crawford added,  “We know that the need exists for the service, and that’s definitely showing up in the number of calls and texts. Having the three digit access was one of the most exciting parts of this initiative. We already had a national 10 digit phone number and service. But with three digits, we know that that increases access to care because it’s easier to remember, especially in a time of crisis.” 

Neskantaga First Nation works to uplift community since suicide crisis 10 years ago – Global News
January 30, 2024
Ten years ago, the remote community of Neskantaga First Nation declared a state of emergency in response to youth suicides and suicide attempts. While still officially in a state of emergency, Neskantaga First Nation has seen a decrease in youth suicides in recent years, in part due to the availability of counselling, outdoor activities that connect youth with traditional ways, and festivals that bring community members together. Sol Mamakwa, the New Democrat provincial legislator for the Kiiwetinoong riding said, “Festivals can actually save lives in Neskantaga and other First Nations. It becomes a suicide prevention activity without really knowing it because you’re having fun. And that’s what our communities need: more joy.” Neskantaga First Nation Chief Chris Moonias said, “The connections with family and community help with the impact on mental health. It is a form of healing.”

Drew Carey Opens Up About His Struggles as a Teen, Says His 2 ‘Suicide Attempts Were Calls for Help’ – People Magazine
January 29, 2024
Actor and host of Price is Right Drew Carey recently discussed his mental health struggles as a teenager, including his suicide attempts. Carey says, “I think that suicide attempts were calls for help. I was so mad that everybody was having a good time, and I was just tired of my life and who’s gonna miss me?” Carey says he continues to struggle, but, “I learned how to believe in myself. Learned how to set goals, you know, self help books man. I just read every single one I can get a hold of and I still do. I read that stuff all the time still, I am always coming out bigger, better, stronger and happier.”

Federal government seeking another pause on planned expansion of medical assistance in dying – CBC
January 29, 2024
The federal government is seeking a second delay to the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAID) for those suffering solely from mental illness. Health Minister Mark Holland said, “(Canada’s health system) needs to be ready and we need to get it right. It’s clear from the conversations we’ve had that the system is not ready and we need more time.” A special committee of 15 MPs and senators has been tasked with determining whether the health care system is prepared for the expansion. They heard from dozens of witnesses and released a report last week concluding that the system is not prepared. The report said the expansion should be delayed until the government is “satisfied, based on recommendations from their respective departments and in consultations with their provincial and territorial counterparts and with Indigenous Peoples, that it can be safely and adequately provided.”
Learn more about the difference between MAID and suicide