World Suicide Prevention Day tugs personal strings for many
For Mila Joubert, community engagement specialist for the Canadian Mental Health Association, World Suicide Prevention Day is personal.
Joubert’s grandfather took his own life when he was in his early 70s by jumping off the roof of the institution he was in.
“I was really young but it definitely impacted me,” she said at Veterans Park, where the CMHA and the Regional Suicide Prevention Council held their third annual free barbecue on Friday.
Joubert gave out memorial candles for those who have lost loved ones to suicide to light on Sunday at 8 p.m.
Erin Reeder, the CMHA’s regional suicide prevention co-ordinator, said the event is geared towards anyone impacted by suicide, whether directly or indirectly.
“It’s just to support those who’ve lost somebody to suicide and for those who also may be considering suicide themselves, just to get the resources out there and let them know that there are people there to help and support (them),” she said.
Reeder said that although she doesn’t know anyone who’s committed suicide, she’s had friends and family who have attempted it.
“It definitely touches me personally,” said Reeder.
Joubert said those who suffer from mental illness must know they’re not alone.
“We need the community to understand that there’s so many avenues they can take to educate themselves and to know that there’s so much support out there,” said Joubert.
Southern Albertans in mental distress can call 1-800-784-2433 for 24-hour support and counselling.