September 10th 2021 is World Suicide Prevention day. Let’s take this opportunity to remember those we have lost to suicide, and reflect on how we can each play a part in increasing the awareness, education, and safe support available for those who may be struggling in our sector.
Suicide is real concern to all of us - our brother, sisters and kin within the BC motion picture sector - as we face the reality that we have lost colleagues, family members and friends to suicide. The BC Crisis Centre reports that in 2020 there were 609 deaths by suicide in BC alone, and one in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide.
“Suicide can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.” (https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/)
Let’s each do our part. Whether it’s learning more about how to be a good support and ally, receiving support if you have lost someone to suicide, or you yourself are experiencing thoughts of suicide, the following resources can help:
First, if you or someone you know is in crisis, call or contact one of these resources: Immediate Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention Resources:
Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
See our December 2020 Calltime blog post titled ‘Can We Talk About Suicide’ here to learn more about the signs and circumstances to watch for and how you can be a support. https://www.calltimementalhealth.com/blog/2020/12/15/can-we-talk-about-suicide
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Centre for Suicide Prevention, and the Public Health Agency of Canada has developed two toolkits to support people who have been impacted by suicide. One toolkit is tailored for people who have attempted suicide, and the other is focused on resources for people who have lost someone to suicide.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention for resources on promoting suicide prevention and a directory of support resources: https://suicideprevention.ca
For a comprehensive Suicide Prevention, Intervention & Postvention Resource List/Guide visit here.
We are all in this together. Let’s crush the stigma around mental health and suicide as we spread awareness and resources throughout our community.