A push for communication is at the heart of Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide Prevention Day is a day which pushes for knowledge and support for those affected by the tragedies of suicide each year, being marked annually on September 10.

The day was first established back in 2003 by the World Health Organization (WHO) along with the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), advocating for global awareness in communities around the world.

“21 years ago was the very first time that we recognized World Suicide Prevention Day,” said Executive Director of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, Elisa Brewer-Singh. “As we sort of continue to learn more and conversations continues to shift, it encompasses more of the community. It becomes more of a conversation among each and every one of us.”

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide in Canada each year, the equivalent of 12 lives every single day. Brewer-Singh says the best way in working to reduce those numbers is to simply start an open conversation.

“It’s often not about the specific words that we may have. It’s about reaching out,” says Brewer-Singh. “It’s about taking that time, taking that space to listen with compassion and empathy. That’s really what creates that connection and hope, and ultimately that begins to change that narrative.”

“As a community, we can educate ourselves, we can take training that provides some more information about how we do start the conversation.”

Elisa Brewer-Singh, Executive Director of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council

She went on to say that she understands that it’s always a tough subject to approach, particularly with loved ones who may be struggling, or those who may have an aversion to being helped. She said though that it’s less about the content of the conversation and more about the action itself.

“There’s a bit of a hesitancy when we think about individuals who may be struggling and unsure about how do we reach out, how do we have a conversation even though we are really concerned. As a community, we can educate ourselves, we can take training that provides some more information about how we do start the conversation.”

The Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council will be gathering with the community in the evening at the Kitchener Public Library’s Central Branch from 4:30p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. The full list of details for the event can be found on the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council website.

“One of the key pieces within effective suicide prevention requires collaboration. It’s that collective community presence and a response in which we each work together, we support one another.”

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8, where support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional help can also be found through the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or the Hope For Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310.