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Health, hope and healing are possible.
That is the message Windsor Essex Suicide Prevention Coalition member organizations want to spread as they prepare for Suicide Prevention Month in September.
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“In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, our sense of control often falters,” said Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare director Tammy Kotyk, reading a message from chief executive Sonja Grbevski during a news conference Wednesday morning at the Canadian Mental Health Association — Windsor Essex County Branch office.
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“It’s during these times we must remember suicide is a permanent response to what is often a passing struggle,” Kotyk said.
Citing increasing challenges of homelessness, environmental disasters and the rising cost of living, Kim Willis, director of communications and mental health promotion for CMHA-WECBs said many young adults express fear, sadness, frustration, anxiety, grief and loneliness.
“For the first time, individuals between the ages of 20 and 30 have less hope and optimism for their future than any previous generation,” Willis said. “Life is hard.
“We know that mental health and addiction continues to be a struggle for so many and suicide numbers only tell part of the story.”
“If you’ve ever thought about suicide, you’re not alone,” said Eric Nadalin, director of mental health promotion for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
“Every year approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide and 12 die by suicide daily,” he said. “And for every person lost, many more experience thoughts of hurting themselves.”
Nadalin said between 2012 and 2021, hospitalizations caused by self-harm increased locally by almost 80 per cent.
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Citing “preliminary” numbers he added the health unit continues to see increases year over year in suicide rates, with 34 in 2020, 35 in 2021 and up to 46 currently reported for 2022.
“These numbers tell just part of the story,” Nadalin said. “The root causes of self-harm are multifaceted and the pain felt by those who are considering self-harm and those left behind when a death occurs is impossible to quantify.”
In November, a national suicide line will launch, offering help and culturally appropriate services in both English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone or text, Kotyk said.
September is Suicide Awareness Month in Windsor-Essex County
First aid training for mental health comes to Windsor-Essex
Locally, the annual Suicide Awareness Month Walk will be held Sept. 24 at the St. Clair College Sportsplex, targeting efforts to decrease the stigma that surrounds suicide that prevents people from talking about it.
In addition, the local Canadian Mental Health Association branch is offering suicide intervention training and workshops, as well as selling customizable merchandise with the message, You Matter, through its website until Sept. 13.
Nadalin encouraged anyone concerned about a friend or family member to reach out.
“As a final note, I want to share with you that asking someone if they are feeling suicidal will not increase their risk of suicide,” Nadalin said. “It may be the conversation needed to ensure that they understand that they are not alone.
“This month, we encourage you to start a conversation. Educate yourself on how to speak with those who may be at risk by reviewing the information available to you on resources like the health unit’s website or from CMHA.”
jkotsis@postmedia.com
twitter.com/KotsisStar
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