Take a minute, change a life on World Suicide Prevention Day
The impact of suicide is far reaching. Every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. These suicides not only affect those who have suicided and had their lives shortened but also friends, family and community. Behind these statistics are people who are in so much pain and view their situations as so hopeless they see no other way out but suicide. It is heartwrenching to think about anyone feeling this way. One way we can make a difference is by taking a minute to change a life.
That is the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, which happens every year on Sept. 10. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention invites everyone to Take A Minute, Change A Life.
Take a minute and wear a suicide awareness ribbon. The beautiful orange and yellow ribbon represents a flame, a light in the darkness. It is a symbol of hope and possibility. Wear a ribbon to show your support for suicide awareness and prevention.
Take a minute and tell us your ideas about what you can do in a minute (or a few minutes!) to help change a life. Visit suicideprevention.ca/WSPD to download an image and add your idea on social media and see our list growing. We want to have 1,440 lifechanging minute ideas – representing the number of minutes in a day.
Take a minute to speak up. Visit the CASP Facebook page and join us on Twitter @CASP_CA and Instagram to spread the message of WSPD through social media. Visit suicideprevention.ca/WSPD to find images and signs to share on social media.
Take a minute to light a candle. By lighting a candle and placing it near a window at 8 p.m. on Sept. 10, the candle will be a beacon of caring and compassion, which illuminates the need for suicide awareness and prevention. The candle also recognizes those who have been impacted by suicide or bereaved by suicide.
Take a minute to talk to someone may be struggling. If you are concerned about someone, reach out and ask them if they want to talk. A caring, compassionate person at a difficult time can help turn things around.
Always remember that small acts can truly be life changing. Take a minute to make a difference. This year for World Suicide Prevention Day, our local Regional Suicide Prevention Council hosted a free barbecue on Friday in Veterans Park in recognition of the day. The barbecue was free thanks to generous donations from the Dream Centre, South Country Co-op, McBride’s Bakery, Ohana Events, Deerview Meats, Custom Print & Stitch, Safeway Division Avenue, Tim Hortons and Alberta Health Services. People took a minute out of their day to have a break, connect with others, and open up discussion about suicide.
For more information please contact Erin at the number below or to find out more about Canadian Mental Health Association and our programs check out our website at www.cmha-aser.ca.
Erin Reeder is the Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator of Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region and can be reached at 403-504-1811.