September 10th, 2022, is World Suicide Prevention Day, an opportunity to come together to raise awareness for prevention, grieve those we have lost, and honour survivors.

Suicidality has no boundaries. It occurs across all ages and within all socioeconomic statuses and ethnicities. The pain that leads individuals to take their lives is profound and is typically not isolated to one person alone. For every loss, friends, family, and the greater community are caught in the ripple effect of grief. As many in our community continue to face mental health challenges, now more than ever, we need to encourage awareness, reduce stigma, and support one another.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Vernon, and District are inviting members of our community to attend the 6th Annual “Be the Light” event on September 10th, 2022, at Polson Park. The evening will run from 4:00 pm to dusk and aims to reduce the shame and stigma around suicide and allow for hope, healing, and remembrance. There will be lantern making, speakers, and a short walk to the commemorative tree to honour those we have lost.

The quality of our health is linked to our connection with others. Therefore, preventing suicide should be a community-wide initiative, including members of the public, educators, family, friends, co-workers, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals. Overall, we are stronger together.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and it aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us. Our actions may provide hope to those struggling.

To learn more about the “Be the Light” event, please visit; https://cmhavernon.ca/wspd/

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone. If you are struggling to cope right now, there is support; there is always someone who can help & listen.

• The Interior Crisis Line Network – 1-888-353-2273
• The Provincial Mental Health Line – 310-6789 (no area code needed)
• The Provincial Suicide Line – 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE)
• Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 (service is available anywhere in Canada)

 

Skip to content