World Suicide Prevention Day is a global event observed every year on September 10.

Suicide can affect anyone, at any time. The slogan of this years World Suicide Prevention Day is “Creating Hope Through Action”, which serves as a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling (International Association for Suicide Prevention, 2022).

Stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide means that many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide may not be seeking help. The prevention of suicide is not always adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the hesitancy in many societies to openly discuss it. Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important to make progress in preventing suicide.

 

Ways you can participate in World Suicide Prevention Day with The Outreach Centre:

  • Register for one of our free online courses, which cover topics such as self-care and suicide awareness.
  • Learn the warning signs that might suggest someone is at risk of suicide.
  • Read about the Suicide Outreach Programs and Services offered at The Outreach Centre.
  • Help us spread suicide prevention awareness to our communities by sharing our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • On September 10, light a candle near a window at 8 p.m. to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and to support the survivors of suicide.
  • Make a donation. 

 

If you or someone you know is at risk, please reach out for help.

24/7 HELP LINES

  • Alberta Mental Health: 1.877.303.2642
  • Suicide Distress Line: 1.800.784.2433

On April 1, 2020, Suicide Information & Education Services and Women’s Outreach officially came together to become The Outreach Centre. All services and teams remain the same. For more information, call 403.347.2480.

Each year, more Albertans die by suicide than the number of people who die in motor vehicle collisions (Alberta Health Services, 2021).

10 Canadians die by suicide each day, with up to 200 others attempting suicide, making if the 9th leading cause of death in Canada (Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention, 2022).

Suicide creates an aftershock for those who knew the person; up to 100 people can be left affected by the death. This means over 400,000 Canadians are bereaving suicide loss each year (Canadian Associations of Suicide Prevention, 2022). 

Experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour (World Health Organization, 2021).