Members of the Sarnia Lambton Suicide Prevention Committee are hoping to raise awareness, start conversations and engage people leading up to Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day.
As such, the group, which has been in existence for over two decades, is holding a series of events leading up to Sept. 10 that will give local residents a better grasp on the prevalence of suicide in the community, a better understanding of the profound and far-reaching consequences of suicide and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.
“The purpose of the day is to raise awareness and give people the chance to talk about the impact of suicide, because it doesn’t only affect the person that dies by suicide, it affects family members, friends, community members, volunteers and professionals ,” said committee member Michelle Parks. “We feel that there’s no reason why anybody has to die by suicide and that if we all do our part and raise awareness that we can stop those statistics from growing.”
According to statistics provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, there are approximately 4,000 deaths by suicide each year. One third are among people aged 45 to 59, while suicide is the second highest cause of death among those aged 15 to 34. Suicide rates are roughly three times higher among men than women, but suicide is an issue that transcends all demographics, Parks said .
“It really can affect anyone,” she said. “(Suicide) doesn’t discriminate – it affects all ages, all genders, all races.”
Showing a little bit of compassion and expressing empathy for those struggling with mental health issues is important, Parks said, as is simply listening to what they have to say. There are also many local resources that can be accessed by both those struggling as well as family and friends concerned about a loved one, available on the group’s website (www.sarnialambtonsuicideprevention.com) and their Facebook page.
“I think that education is the key,” Parks said. “Our committee also offers a safe talk workshop that we put on around the community. It’s basically a suicide first aid – it helps people better recognize the signs and know what to say and where to get that person help if you see signs of suicide. That is our main focus, to get as many people educated as possible to help as many people as possible.”
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day this year, the committee operated an information booth on Sept. 2 to highlight the importance of a suicide safer community at Diversity Ed (179 Christina St. N.).
On Thursday, Sept. 8, the committee is screening a documentary free of charge at the Sarnia Public Library Theater entitled Suicide: The Ripple Effect. Doors open at 6:30 pm and children and youth are not recommended to watch the film without the accompaniment of an adult.
“We’ll be showing the Ripple Effect, which is an excellent documentary, at the library,” Parks said. “This has been a couple of years in the works, because of COVID we haven’t been able to show this film, so we’re excited to screen in on Thursday.
Pre-registration for the film is required and can be done at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/suicide-the-ripple-effect-documentary-tickets-402574750917.
“It’s a heavy subject but it’s an excellent documentary that focuses on the devastating effects of suicide told by a man who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge and survived,” Parks said. “It’s an inspirational film actually, full of hope.”
From Sept. 6 to 12, Lambton Mall will be showcasing an exhibit of photographs created by the Sarnia Lambton Suicide Prevention Committee, while on Sept. 10 from noon to 3 pm – World Suicide Prevention Day – committee members will be in the mall near the food court to provide information and resources to all.
Sarnia’s own Olivia Musico will lead an interactive self-care activity and representatives from the Mike Harvey Foundation and Talk for Tamara will also be on hand to speak.
“We’re also encouraging people to tie a yellow ribbon around their tree in their front yard or on a lamppost, just to get people talking, raising awareness about suicide and showing compassion and empathy for people,” Parks said.
“Unless it really impacts you directly, you might not hear about suicide that much, so talking about it and getting resources out there for people who need help is a priority for us,” she added. “Our goal is to make Sarnia-Lambton a suicide-safer community.”
Suicide Prevention Help and Resources
Sarnia-Lambton Distress Line: 519-336-3000 or 1-888-DISTRES
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 686868
Lambton Mental Health Crisis Service: 519-336-3445 or 1-800-307-4319
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Canadian Mental Health Association: 519-337-5411
Sarnia-Lambton Suicide Prevention Committee: www.sarnialambtonsuicideprevention.com