September 7, 2021
wspd2021

World Suicide Prevention Day 2021

World Suicide Prevention Day is this Friday, September 10.

This is a day to remember those we’ve lost to suicide and raise awareness about how suicide can be prevented.

We can all play a role in the prevention of suicide. Learn how with our blog, ‘How to help someone thinking about suicide,’ done in collaboration with Canadian Mental Health Association – National.

Throughout the month we’re hosting free workshops and our virtual Run for Life takes place Sept. 19-26.

Poster

Article: How to help someone thinking about suicide

When we reach out to someone considering suicide we can help them see that there is a way out of their pain. We can help them see that, people do care, that their life does matter, they’re not alone and help is available. Even if that’s not what they believe when they’re in crisis.

This article will explain how to:

  • identify a person thinking about suicide
  • reach out and have a conversation
  • connect them to help
  • create a safety plan with them
  • support them as they move forward

Press release

World Suicide Prevention Day – Centre for Suicide Prevention
World Suicide Prevention Day is a day to remember those we’ve lost to suicide and raise awareness for how suicide can be prevented. While the pandemic continues to drag on, Canadians are reporting higher levels of stress and mental unwellness. This, however, does not necessarily translate to an increase in suicide. At this point, preliminary data indicates that suicide rates haven’t risen throughout the pandemic. Also, more people seem to be talking about mental health and their thoughts of suicide – evidenced by an increase in calls about suicide to crisis centres. People are seeking help when they’re struggling. This year, Centre for Suicide Prevention is also celebrating its 40th anniversary; a timeline of our history can be found in this year’s annual report.

Workshops

This year we’re offering 6 free workshops – four virtual, and two in-person.

In-person Suicide to Hope: Recovery and growth workshop (Calgary, Alberta)
Friday, Sept. 10
This workshop is being offered thanks to sponsorship from LivingWorks Education Inc.

In-person safeTALK: suicide alertness for everyone workshop (Calgary, Alberta) (sold out)
Tuesday, Sept. 28

Virtual Looking Forward: Preventing suicide in youth (sold out)
Thursday, Sept. 16

Virtual Small Talk: Preventing suicide in children (sold out)
Thursday, Sept. 23 & Friday, Sept. 24

Run for Life 2021

The 4th annual Run for Life is only 3 weeks away! Join us for a journey from darkness to light, to remember those we’ve lost to suicide and raise awareness for suicide prevention. This year’s event will be virtual. Participate anywhere at any time throughout the week from Sept. 19-26, doing any activity you’d like.

Last year, Greg Duhaney participated in Run for Life 2021 to remember his brother who was lost to suicide.