Dear colleagues and friends,
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada's latest statistics on suicide, 11 Canadians die by suicide each day, it is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults, and suicide rates are approximately three times higher in men compared to women.
Suicide is a difficult topic. Raising awareness, understanding warning signs, and learning how to discuss the topic are important ways of breaking stigma and preventing suicide.
To support the goal of World Suicide Prevention Day and to help foster a culture of care at ECCC, please consult and share the resources below:
Prevention:
- How to talk about suicide (Quebec Suicide Prevention Association)
- Preventing Suicide (Canadian Mental Health Association)
Support for a loved one or colleague:
- How to help someone thinking about suicide (Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Mental Health Crisis Support Guide for Managers
To get help without judgement, call Talk Suicide Canada to connect to a crisis responder 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566.
If you or a loved one need support, do not hesitate to contact the free and completely confidential Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-268-7708 (or 1-800-567-5803 for people with hearing impairment).
If your situation is urgent, please inform the counsellor on the line. If you find yourself in imminent danger, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency centre.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team