World Suicide Prevention Month Shifts Discussion from Silence to Openness
Vernon, BC – North Okanagan residents have an opportunity to honour loss, raise awareness, and access education about suicide prevention.
Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Throughout September, CMHA Vernon’s crisis intervention and prevention team will spread awareness in the community through educational opportunities, media appearances, memorial activities, and lots of honest, open conversations.
“Connection to others is an essential part of health, so preventing suicide needs to be a community-wide effort. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Changing the Narrative on Suicide and the emphasis is on evolving from silence and stigma to openness and support about suicide,” said Emily Hollenbach, CMHA Vernon’s director of crisis intervention and prevention.
“We think of friends, family, co-workers and the broader community who are impacted by suicide and experience the ripples of grief.”
To start the conversation, memorial trees will be placed at various locations around Vernon for September. Members of the public are invited to sign a leaf and hang it on a tree as a way of honouring a loved one lost to suicide. The trees, and leaves, will be located at: CMHA Vernon’s main office, the People Place, the Family Resource Centre, North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society and the Okanagan Indian Band’s cultural safety office. The trees will be collected at the end of September and displayed at CMHA Vernon’s main office for a memorial tea event.
During Tuesdays in September, CMHA Vernon wellness education staff will lead workshops on depression and strategies to manage it. Register at [email protected].
On Sept. 10, there are three opportunities for the public to participate:
- 7:30 a.m. – Dr. Mark Sinyor leads the webinar Changing the Narrative: How We Can Reshape Public Discourse about Suicide to Save Lives. Registration is required.
- 5 p.m. – There will be a virtual showing of Moving America’s Soul on Suicide. The film will begin at 5 p.m. and then at 7 p.m., there will be one-hour of emotional support for those wanting assistance. Registration is required.
- 8 p.m., residents are asked to light a candle in memory of those lost to suicide.
On Sept. 19, there will be a virtual showing of Moving America’s Soul on Suicide. The film will begin at 5 p.m. and then at 7 p.m., there will be one-hour of emotional support for those wanting assistance. Registration is required.
For more information on World Prevention Suicide Day, including links to the virtual events, visit www.cmhavernon.ca/wspd.
If you, or someone you know, are struggling emotionally or having thoughts of suicide, we urge you to reach out no matter the date or time. The following resources are available to all British Columbians 24/7/365 days a year, free of charge.
National Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or Text 9-8-8
Provincial Suicide Prevention Line: Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Provincial Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Interior Crisis Line: 1-888-353-2273