Weekly News Roundup May 11 – 16, 2024

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Most Canadian universities don’t track student suicides. Experts — and students — say they should – CBC
May 16, 2024
Most universities in Canada do not track student suicides. Zachary Kaminsky, associate professor at University of Ottawa’s faculty of medicine, says, “Knowledge is power. If you’re not paying attention to what’s going on in terms of the mental health of your students, then you’re not in a position to be able to try to improve that mental health. If we don’t track, then we can’t act.” Some post-secondary students say that mental health and suicide are becoming more of a concern on campuses since the pandemic. Marien de Freitas, a University of Waterloo student, said that, after a student’s suicide, and another student’s suicide attempt, “Nothing really changed. Everyone’s expected to go back to normal life, and the school can’t even acknowledge that some students didn’t even survive last exam season.”

What can prevent suicide? A place to call home, a person to reach out to – USA Today
May 16, 2024
Fountain House clubhouses offer free, voluntary programming to people with a diagnosis of severe mental illness as well as temporary housing. They’re located in Manhattan and the South Bronx, and see approximately 2000 people. Ken Zimmerman, CEO of the non-profit said, “It’s the antidote because it is intentionally focused on creating a place where everybody belongs and is needed. The goal is to welcome vulnerable people and “empower them to live their best lives.” Zimmerman says about 40% of participants are unhoused when they enter Fountain House and almost all find stable housing. Samantha Alexander says Fountain House helped her find treatment and housing. Alexander now volunteers there. She says, “Fountain House is my home away from home. I feel safe here. I feel not judged here.”

‘Reimagining Mother’s Day’: Toronto woman creates Motherless Day event after losing mom – CP24
May 12, 2024
Amanda Katz lost her mother Jocelyn to suicide in 2017 and since then, says, “navigating Mother’s Day is always a difficult one.” This year, Katz re-imagined Mother’s Day and created Motherless Day for people who find the day challenging and to make connections with others. Katz says, “(This event) is a chance to both commemorate and celebrate the moms we once had. It’s for everybody without a mom. Motherless Day is all about turning what can be a low day into a day of connection and creating community with others in a similar place.” The event also raised funds for CAMH.

German suicide prevention plan aims to help more men – DW
May 10, 2024
Germany has released their first ever national suicide prevention strategy. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said, “We have to overcome the taboo about death and suicide, destigmatize mental health illness and better combine support services.” Older men are named as an important focus group. Recommendations in the strategy include a national centre to coordinate advisory services, special training for health care workers, and construction measures to stop people accessing means of suicide. A centralized, anonymous data register tracking information on attempted suicides is being considered for implementation. Critics of the plan are worried about the lack of concrete detail and the absence of a funding plan.