Preventing suicide by confronting stigma and seeing signs

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Suicide is a complex issue – but it can be prevented.

Sept. 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day, and in response, local authorities acted to promote awareness of this devastating and tragic issue. 

Siksika Chief and Council passed a resolution to establish the date as Siksika Suicide Prevention Day. The proclamation recognizes that Indigenous communities have some of the highest suicide rates in the world, which impacts families, friends and frontline workers. It affirms that the chief and council support a community-wide call-to-action for prevention and awareness through community-based approaches.

The proclamation will be effective when nation members recognize the impacts of social determinants on health and well-being, and the intergenerational impacts of colonization on way of life, it states. Members must also recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide, act on prevention and intervention, and help de-stigmatize mental health issues, according to the proclamation.

On Sept. 10, the Town of Strathmore held a candlelight vigil at Kinsmen Park in the evening, which was attended by Deputy Mayor Denise Peterson and Siksika Councillor Rueben “Buck” Breaker. 

Alberta has one of the highest suicide rates among Canadian provinces: in 2019 in Alberta, there were 13.4 suicides per 100,000 people, according to data from the Centre for Suicide Prevention.

While it is an issue affecting Albertans of all ages, youth are some of the most susceptible to suicide: it is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24; and among high school students, approximately one in seven consider attempting suicide and one in 13 attempt suicide one or more times, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).

One important step to confronting suicide is its de-stigmatization. Using the term “committed” should be avoided, as this word implies a crime. Instead “died by suicide” should be used. 

Talking to someone about suicide or asking them if they are thinking about suicide will not put the idea in their head, according to the AHS Youth Suicide Prevention Resource Guide. Instead, talking about it is said to be a step towards prevention.

Stereotypes should also be avoided. Suicide should not be described as inevitable. Instead, it should be emphasized that suicide is preventable, and help is available. If someone is suicidal once, it does not mean they will always be suicidal. And if someone is having thoughts of suicide, it does not mean they are determined to die. 

Any mention of suicide should be taken seriously. If someone is threatening suicide, get them help right away. A health professional should be involved to determine if the person has the means to do harm to themselves, has a time and place to attempt suicide, and thinks there are no other options for them.

According to AHS, if a threat seems real, call 911, a suicide hotline or the police. Then, stay with the person until the crisis has passed and encourage them to seek professional help. Do not argue or challenge the person, but instead tell them that you want them to live and talk to them as openly as possible.

While it can be hard to know if a person is thinking about suicide, there are risk factors and possible signs. 

Suicide is a complex issue but is associated with a range of risk factors. These include mental illness, substance use, stressful life events, family violence, having attempted suicide before or having a family member who has killed themselves or who attempted suicide. However, each situation is different and can involve a range of factors.

Events that can increase suicide risk include changes in life (e.g. death of a partner or friend, retirement, divorce, money issues), diagnosis of a serious physical illness or new physical disability, severe and long-lasting pain, loss of independence or social isolation. 

There are also numerous possible warning sides, including planning to or saying they want to hurt or kill themselves; talk, write read or draw about death; saying they have no hope, feel trapped or there is no point in “going on”; talking about being a burden; having a new interest in guns or other weapons; stockpiling medicines; increased substance use; decreasing social contact; stopping self-care; and giving possessions away.

The warning signs for children and adolescents may be different, which can include running away or doing risky or dangerous things.

There are many supports available: people with thoughts of suicide or concerned caretakers or loved ones should call the Health Link at 811 or the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642; the federal First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line is available at 1-855-242-3310. For other supports, including for teens, visit the AHS website.