World Suicide Prevention Day | September 10, 2024

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. Across the Prairie Mountain Health region, numerous activities are planned in September to recognize the importance of suicide prevention.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Changing the Narrative on Suicide– with a Call to Action- #starttheconversation. The theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change and support. – 1. as outlined by the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

So, let’s start the conversation today. No matter how small, every chat builds a more supportive and understanding society. Together, we can make a difference and prioritize suicide prevention, ensuring everyone gets the help they need. Starting the conversation is a crucial opportunity to shift the narrative around suicide and mental health. Changing the narrative involves addressing several key aspects:

1. Reducing Stigma: One of the main goals is to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues and suicide. By encouraging open discussions and normalizing conversations about mental health, we can help individuals feel more comfortable seeking help and support.
2. Promoting Awareness: Increased awareness about the signs of mental health crises and the resources available for help can make a significant difference. Educational opportunities such as safeTALK and Mental Health First Aid can inform people about how to recognize when someone might be at risk and how to approach and support them effectively.
3. Empowering Conversations: Shifting the narrative means fostering compassionate and non-judgmental conversations. Focusing on listening and understanding is important rather than offering quick solutions or judgments. This can help create a safe space for those struggling to open up.
4. Highlighting Stories of Hope: Sharing stories of recovery and hope can inspire others and show that change is possible. Hearing about others who have overcome similar struggles can encourage and demonstrate that seeking help can lead to positive outcomes.
5. Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior: Emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness can encourage people to reach out when they need support. It’s essential to make mental health resources and professional help more accessible and less intimidating. Share SPIN power cards with others! Request on the SPIN website.
6. Supporting Survivors: Providing support to those who have lost loved ones to suicide is also a vital part of changing the narrative. Check out the SPIN website for more information about the Suicide Bereavement Support Group in Brandon.

By addressing these areas, World Suicide Prevention Day can help reshape how society views and responds to suicide and mental health challenges, ultimately leading to better support systems and reduced rates of suicide.

Talking about suicide is difficult, but there are things you can do. You can listen to people with a non-judgmental ear and remind the person you care for them. You can check in with people regularly to see how they are doing and listen supportively. You do not need to have all the answers. You can let others know they are not alone. You can be aware of resources in your area and introduce people to those resources.

Events in Brandon:

In Brandon, The Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) Is offering a chance for everyone to join us in promoting awareness about suicide.  On Friday, September 6, in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, we hope to create a safe space for the community to come together to find resources, remember loved ones, or support others who have been touched by suicide. We will meet in the Cultural Room of the A.R. McDiarmid Civic Complex, 638 Princess Avenue, from 11:30 am- 1:00 pm SPIN has some light snacks and activities structured around having difficult conversations and Instilling hope and wellness in the community. During this event, SPIN will also present special recognition awards to those nominated for making a difference in our community by actively advocating for suicide prevention and life promotion.

SPIN Is also hosting a FREE 3-hour safeTALK training – Monday, September 9, from 5 pm – 8 pm at the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre. This educational opportunity will help you to be ready to reach out to someone thinking about suicide, overcome attitudes that act as barriers to help, talk openly about suicide and identify and connect people to resources in your area. SPACE is limited; register by emailing [email protected]

Clothing fundraiser – New SPIN signature sweaters, shirts and tumblers available. Funds raised will go towards providing Suicide Alertness training for the community. Please email [email protected] for more information or check SPIN social media for details.  Or click on the link: SPIN Brandon | Westman Promotions | powered by OrderMyGear (itemorder.com)

Candlelight Vigil – On Friday, September 6^th, Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association is hosting a gathering at the Brandon University Garden on 18^th Street in front of the Clark Hall Building at 7:30 pm. They will be giving out candles, and collecting names in memorial (optional to provide). The group will then walk to Stanley Park (8:00 pm) for a reading of names and a moment of silence to be held at the park.  Candles for this event will also be made available at the SPIN event earlier in the day.  

Events happening in some PMH rural and northern communities:

• Chalk the Walk– happening in Ste. Rose, Swan River, Roblin, and Dauphin. Community members or businesses interested in participating can pick chalk up from their local HERO Club or Community Health office in Swan River, Roblin and Dauphin, and the Community Health office in Ste. Rose. Chalk the Walk does not have a set date and will run from September 4 to 11th in these communities.

• Awareness Walks – happening on September 10 from 12-1 pm in Swan River & Dauphin.

If you are struggling or concerned about someone else’s suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours per day. A trained crisis worker will listen to you and direct you to the needed resources.

PMH Resources contact Westman Crisis Services at 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699 in the Brandon Area or 1-866-332-3030 for PMH-North- Call 911 or contact a local hospital or health office.

NEW: 988-suicide crisis line available to all Canadians in English and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It will offer trauma-informed and culturally appropriate services by trained crisis responders by phone or text.

Prairie Mountain Health- North Mental Wellness and Crisis Resources

• Prairie Mountain Health- Mental health: child, adult, and senior’s mental health
• Prairie Mountain Health- workshops, training, and clinics
• Canadian Mental Health Association- CMHA Swan Valley – Mental Health for All
• Hope for Wellness Helpline- Crisis support available for Indigenous people
• Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba- programming, peer support, and resources
• Peer Connections Manitoba- Peer Connections Manitoba – Your Connection to Wellness (peerconnectionsmb.ca)
• Kids Help phone- youth crisis support and skill building resource

1. International Association for Suicide Prevention. (2024). World suicide prevention day 2024. https://www.iasp.info/wspd/

2. International Association for Suicide Prevention. (2024). Resources: World suicide prevention day banners. https://www.iasp.info/WSPD/resources/

Follow SPIN social media: Twitter: @brandon_spin     Instagram: Spin_Brandon     Facebook: spinbrandon Call: 204-578-2599 or email: [email protected]