September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 World Suicide Prevention Day.

Here are some facts and tips to help you be better prepared to do your part and help prevent death by suicide.

Facts About Suicide:

• Suicide is preventable!
• Suicide is one of the Top 10 leading causes of death.
• Every day, about 11 Canadians complete suicide: Another 210 will attempt to kill themselves.
• More females attempt suicide, but males are more likely to die from suicide.
• 4 out of 5 people who complete suicide have made at least one previous attempt.
• Suicide happens to people of all ages, ethnicities, economic backgrounds and other social boundaries.
• Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die. They are immersed in emotional pain and are not able to handle an overwhelming situation.
  Speaking with someone about suicide will not make them want to take their life.
• Suicide victims think about suicide before completing the act - they usually provide warning signs to those around them.

Suicide Prevention Tips:

• Remember, someone who is suicidal is not able to effectively solve problems while they are experiencing intense emotions.
• Never agree to keep someone’s suicidal thoughts a secret. They may get mad at you for telling, but it is more important that you help them! Let them know their safety is your No. 1 concern because you care about them.
• Being kind and sincere while asking about suicide could be the beginning of an immediate intervention.
• Listening to someone as they express the emotions they are feeling can provide them with relief. Hearing someone’s reasons for wanting to end their life could help to save their life.
• Don’t be afraid to ask that very hard question: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
• Talking about suicide can be very uncomfortable and scary, so it is important to remember to get assistance from professionals.

LISTEN, CARE, VALIDATE AND BE NONJUDGMENTAL.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Wood’s Homes Community Resource Team:
403-299-9699 – 24/7 Crisis Line

1-800-563-6106 – Toll-free

587-315-5000 – Crisis Text

woodshomes.ca/crisis – Crisis chat

Eastside Family Centre:
Free walk-in single-session counselling:

#255, 495 36 St. N.E., Calgary, Alberta

403-299-9696

Monday- Thursday 11 a.m.to 7 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Suicide Prevention Line:
1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)

Distress Centre Calgary:
403-266-4357 (403-266-HELP)