Communication is always essential
What do you say to someone who has attempted suicide? Overcoming a suicide attempt is challenging — both for the person who experienced it and for those in the person’s life. When we love someone, it’s terrifying to think of life without them, and our fear of making things worse can get in the way of connection and healing.
The difference between just one attempt and many more is the experience itself and how the experience is integrated. What is the meaning behind the attempt? A suicide attempt is always communication — we need to be able to talk openly about suicide for the healing journey to happen.
On Sept. 6, the Crisis Centre of B.C. is hosting a free webinar “How to Support Someone Who’s Attempted Suicide” where participants will learn how to talk about pain and suicide and how to help someone recover and heal from a suicide attempt.
Organizers hope the webinar is attended by friends and family of suicide attempt survivors, health and mental health professionals and social service providers, and anyone wanting to be able to speak about suicide in a practical way.
There might be a fear in those around someone who has attempted suicide to talk about suicide or to talk about pain. A balanced approach is needed; being able to talk about it without being over vigilant. I tend to say that suicide is like a monster under the table — when we shine light on it, it’s not as scary, it’s more manageable.
The webinar is one of a series of events and workshops offered by the Crisis Centre of B.C. for the annual World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2022.
The slogan of this year’s WSPD is “Creating Hope Through Action.” We need to have open conversations about suicide for suicide to be prevented.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Crisis Centre of B.C:
• Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code required)
• Anywhere in B.C. 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800784-2433
• Online Chat for youth: YouthInBC.com (noon to 1 a.m.)
• Online Chat for adults: CrisisCentreChat.ca (noon to 1 a.m.)
Jessica Wolf Ortiz Crisis Centre of B.C.