Suicide Prevention


One of the effects of untreated maternal depression, on mothers, is suicide.

Suicide is a serious health problem world-wide.  People who suicide may be rich or poor, male or female, very young o very old, educated or illiterate, and any and all cultural backgrounds.  Any of us, or someone we love, could be at risk of suicide.  We must remember that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.  No problem is so big that we cannot find a solution as long as we reach out to one another. 

Suicide need not claim as many lives as it does each year.  There is help available.  We can all play a part in assisting suicidal persons to get the necessary help.

HIGH RISK FACTORS:

  • Previous history of attempts - persons who have had one or more attempts in the past
  • Family history of suicide - persons who have had a family member die by suicide
  • Recent losses - persons who have suffered a recent loss such as a death, break-up of a relationship, loss of job, or recent loss of physical health
  • Level of support - persons who are isolated and have limited or no access to supportive resources (e.g.: family, friends, caregivers)
  • Depression or Mental Health Issues - persons who are currently experiencing symptoms of depression and/or have a diagnosis of a mental illness
  • Current level of stress - persons who are experiencing a great deal of stress, which they feel powerless to control
  • Age - young males (15-24); middle-aged males (50-60); men over 70 and middle-aged females (45-54)
  • Gender - men die by suicide three times a s often as women do

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?

Behaviour Clues:
  • noticeable and sudden change in behaviour, such as withdrawal or increased risk-taking
  • signs of depression, including eating and sleeping disturbances, low energy level, crying, isolation
  • increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • making final arrangements such as making a will, etc.
  • giving away possessions
  • deliberately injures themselves

Verbal Clues:
  • expression of helplessness and hopelessness
  • talking or joking about suicide
  • talking about a specific suicide plan such as date, place and method
  • talking about having the access to the means for killing oneself

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

  • Ask, "Are you thinking about suicide?"  Don't be afraid to say the "S" word.
  • Stay Calm and Listen, openly, and without judgement
  • Keep Safe. Never put yourself in a dangerous position.  Never leave a person at risk of suicide alone; take them with you to get help.
  • Believe what a person says and take all threats seriously
  • Never Promise to keep the person at risk's thoughts and feelings secret.
  • Reassure the person that help is available.  Support and encourage him/her to reach out to sources of help in the community.
  • Get Help and Act immediately if you feel someone is at risk of suicide by involving others that can help.

Help is a phone call way.

These numbers are open to Everyone:
  • HealthLine: 1-877-800-0002
  • Regina Crisis Line: 1-306-757-0127
  • Farm Stress Line: 1-800-667-4442
  • Kids' HelpLine: 1-800-668-6868

These websites are open to Everyone:

A large thank you for all this valuable and preventative information to:

Donna Bowyer, Director, Friends for Life
Canadian Mental Health Association
650 Coteau Street, West
Moose Jaw, SK  S6H 5E6
1-306-692-4240
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cmhamj.com

Canadian Mental Health Association
(Saskatchewan Division) Ince.
2702 12th Avenue
Regina, SK  S4T 1J2
1-306-525-5601 or 1-800-461-5483 (in SK)
Fax: 1-306-569-3788
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cmhask.com

Hope is the Feeling that this Feeling will not last Forever.
There is always HOPE - There is always HELP