World Suicide Prevention Day highlights a need for dialogue
Calls to the Calgary Distress Centre’s crisis line reached an all-time high in August as the COVID-19 pandemic amplifies concerns about mental-health struggles and suicide.
Many organizations and individuals across the country took to social media on World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday to share personal stories and messages of hope for those struggling during this unprecedented time.
Mara Grunau, executive director of the Centre for Suicide Prevention, said that, now more than ever, people are having open conversations about the difficult topic.
“Suicide is real but we can talk about it, and if we can talk about it and build a trusting relationship with people around us, then we’re in a position to offer help,” said Grunau.
“Even in the midst of a pandemic or in the midst of a natural disaster, the suicide rate going up isn’t inevitable. There are things we can do to help each other.”
It’s too soon to determine whether the COVID -19 pandemic has affected suicide rates globally, said Grunau, but increased calls to the crisis line suggest more people are seeking help for themselves or others.
Suicide-related contacts to the Calgary Distress Centre, meaning calls, texts or other modes of communication, have increased monthly during the pandemic. A record high was reached between Aug. 19 and 24, with an 84 per cent increase compared to the same week last year.
In 2019, the organization recorded 909 emergency interventions and intervened in 194 suicides in progress.
“People who might be having a more difficult time adapting or feeling the effects of the pandemic more are often those people who may have been at risk of something before the pandemic,” said Grunau.
“Thoughts of suicide are not caused by the pandemic, but the pandemic is another layer on top of things that have been going on before it.”
An estimated 16 people will die by suicide for every one per cent increase in Alberta’s unemployment rate, according to a study from the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy.
In July, Alberta’s unemployment rate hit 12.8 per cent from 7.1 per cent the previous year. Experts have predicted it could reach as high as 25 per cent, according to the Centre for Suicide Prevention.
The good news is suicide is preventable, said Grunau.
Instead of telling people they can ask for help, she urged offering help. This could mean checking in with a phone call or text, and being cognizant of messages that hint something is wrong.
If worried, ask directly: “Are you considering suicide?” If yes, you can call the distress centre together, said Grunau.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) shared a similar message on Thursday with its campaign “Working Together to Prevent Suicide.”
“Suicide is a public health concern, which essentially means anyone can be impacted by it, and the reverse of that is that everyone can make a difference in someone else’s life by being there for them,” said Karen Letofsky, associate director for the association.
“I think when someone else is feeling hopeless, it is our responsibility to carry that flame of hope for them until they are able to pick it up for themselves again.”
CASP hosted webinars on Thursday featuring a group of panellists who attempted suicide and are now sharing what was and wasn’t supportive to them during that time.
Letofsky said their experiences, alongside many who share their personal experiences year-round, reflect the changing mentality in talking openly about suicide and mental health.
Counselling lead Sonya Quinlan-jacob with the Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary said the return to school, online bullying and the COVID-19 pandemic could be affecting the mental health of young people — though there is no evidence to suggest the public health crisis has worsened outcomes.
In most cases, youth will turn to their peers rather than adults for help, she said.
“I often encourage parents to walk with their kids and have more open dialogue on a regular basis to create more of that rapport,” said Quinlan-jacob.
She said dedicated youth resources are available, including the Connecteen Online Chat through the Distress Centre and peer support services at CMHA Calgary (403-297-1402).