Suicide Prevention Month: How You Can Make a Difference and Support Those in Need
Suicide Prevention Month is a critical opportunity to raise awareness. It’s a chance to share information and resources regarding an extremely important issue that is facing many communities.
The impact of suicide in Canada is heartbreaking:
Roughly 4,500 people die by suicide every year.
More than 200 people engage in a non fatal suicide attempt every day.
Every death by suicide affects at least 7 to 10 loved ones.
On one hand, suicide is a complex and deeply personal struggle. The loss of life is difficult to comprehend and process. On the other, it’s a public health crisis that we can all play a role in addressing, even if we don’t understand the intricacies of a person’s inner struggle.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to recognize the signs of suicide. We’ll then offer practical advice on how to support someone in need and share valuable resources available in Ontario.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide
There’s no single risk factor for suicide. Suicide is often a result of a complex interplay of individual, environmental, and social factors.
These risk factors include:
Certain demographics - Indigenous peoples and the LGBTQ+ community, for example
Family history of suicide
Access to lethal means
Psychological factors - life stressors and the inability to ‘cope’ with such stressors
Mental illness
Exposure to trauma
The result of decades of research is that professionals are still unpacking this interplay of risk factors to help us better predict a suicidal crisis.
Yet, even when these factors are present, it’s still difficult to predict who will attempt suicide and when. This is where a deeper understanding of the various warning signs of suicidal thoughts can help us offer support to those in need.
It’s important to understand each individual will be going through a unique experience, but that there are some common indicators to look out for that suggest somebody may be at risk.
These indicators may be immediately obvious, but they may be more challenging to detect. Being attuned to these warning signs can lead to life-saving interventions.
Talking explicitly about wanting to die or end their life - This may seem like an obvious red flag, but there is a range within this category. You may hear direct statements like “I wish I were dead.” However, you may notice more indirect expressions suggesting hopelessness or not having reasons to live.
Withdrawal - Isolation is another indicator. If the person withdraws from friends and family and other social activities, this can be a worrying sign. This is especially concerning if this is a significant change from being previously social.
Changes in mood or behaviour - We should all familiarize ourselves with signs of depression and anxiety. Irritability, fatigue, bouts of brain fog, and despair are all signs of depression or anxiety. Note that these are different conditions, but we’re combining them together for ease in this discussion.
Also, be wary of sudden changes in personality. A person might also display unusual calmness or a sudden uplift in mood after a period of depression, which can sometimes indicate they have made a decision to end their life.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs - Substance abuse can be a coping mechanism for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Giving away possessions or money and abandoning responsibilities could both be signs that a person is preparing for the end since they indicate a disregard for the future.
Expressing feelings of guilt or shame, or a belief that they are causing trouble for others, can be an indication of suicidal ideation. This is encapsulated in phrases such as ‘you’d be better off without me’.
How You Can Support Someone in Need
If you observe several of the signs outlined above, you will no doubt be worried and concerned for your loved one. You’ll be wondering about what to do next. Remember that you can take action and that your intervention and support can make all the difference.
Here are some practical steps you can take:
Talk—Start a conversation. Sometimes it can be as simple as letting them know you care about them. Share concern that you’ve observed changes in their behaviour. Sometimes, simply asking, "Are you okay?" can be a watershed moment. Of course, a heart-to-heart won’t make all problems go away, but a conversation can be all a person needs to kickstart a journey to feeling better.
Listen—This goes hand-in-hand with ‘talk’. You must listen without judgment and without trying to offer immediate solutions. You can’t rationalize away suicidal ideation or dismiss their feelings. Instead, listen actively and empathetically, giving them a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings.
Steer toward professional help—You don’t need to rush this step. Immediately saying ‘speak to a counselor’ without first listening can feel like you’re offloading the issue. Yet, we all need to acknowledge that professional help is the best way to help them heal. When you feel they’re ready, gently suggest that they speak to a mental health professional, and that you’ll help them find a therapist or psychologist. You can even accompany them to their appointment.
Stay connected—Keep in touch with them regularly. Isolation can exacerbate suicidal thoughts, so staying in contact can provide a sense of much-needed connection and support.
Involve others if necessary—If you believe the person is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to involve others. This could be family members or close friends. It may even involve emergency services if you believe the situation is critical. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you believe the situation is dire.
Ontario-Based Resources
You’re not on your own when it comes to offering support. There are plenty of Ontario-based resources you can access that offer advice for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and for those supporting them:
These resources offer various helplines and 24/7 specialized support. Kids Help Phone, for example, provides access to experts in youth care. ConnexOntario, on the other hand, specializes in cases involving addiction. Whatever your specific circumstances, you can find local resources with relevant guidance.
We at the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) also offer a range of resources providing guidance and background information related to suicide and suicide prevention.
We also provide a comprehensive list of supplementary crisis resources for you or a loved one to get the help you need. Particularly useful here are the town-specific distress lines for speaking to a local near you.
For those exploring psychological treatment, we specialize in offering advice on what to expect when seeing a psychologist.
Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide and Mental Health
Part of the battle of suicide prevention is breaking down the ongoing stigma of mental health discussions. While many organizations have made significant progress in recent decades, many people are still reluctant to confront their mental health issues and discuss them openly.
They are afraid of judgment. They worry about misunderstandings.
Whenever possible, we collectively need to encourage open and honest conversations about mental health. In doing so, we can help to reduce this stigma and create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help.
This is so important, since we know that those first steps of a simple conversation can be the difference maker that saves a life.
Don’t be afraid to encourage discussions in your community. Whether this is through mental health drives in the workplace or discussions around the family table, normalizing this previously taboo topic is a critical step.
You’ll be helping to create a culture where people feel safe to express their feelings and reach out for support. This is what saving lives looks like.
Suicide Prevention Month
This month is a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.
We’ve shared some of the tools available to you. You should now be able to:
Recognize some warning signs
Understand how to offer some support
Seek help from local resources in Ontario
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Contact the OPA for help finding a psychologist or other resources.