September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day
September 8, 2023
GUELPH, ON – World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance for everyone to highlight and work together in promoting awareness about suicide: those impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, family and friends, charitable organizations, professionals, politicians, volunteers, and community members.
The Upper Grand District School Board joins more than 50 countries on September 10, 2023, for World Suicide Prevention Day to assist in Creating Hope Through Action. At the UGDSB, we prioritize mentally healthy classrooms and learning spaces. We recognize the impact of systemic racism and cultural oppression on many of our students and families and the disproportionate rates of suicide for these communities.
At UGDSB we prioritize:
- Wellness promotion activities such as Wellness Works monthly themes embedded into classrooms through curriculum and beyond
- Mental health knowledge-building and stigma reduction
- Early recognition of signs relating to a mental health struggle
- Prevention and early intervention
- Supporting connection and access to identity affirming community supports and services
What can you do if you see someone struggling?
- Check in regularly to see how they are doing
- Listen supportively to what they have to say
- Remember that you don’t have to have all the answers
- Connect them to resources in their area for more support
- Encourage them to reach out to supports in their community
- Know that by asking and listening you are doing something
“A genuine conversation can make all the difference. We should not assume that everyone who is in distress is having suicidal-related thoughts or exhibiting associated behaviours (they’re not!). If you are worried about someone, it’s best to start by asking general questions about their wellbeing. Bringing up the conversation can be difficult, try starting with something like: “I know you’ve been going through a lot lately. I want you to know I’m concerned about you.” If the response is worrisome, you can ask: “are you feeling safe?” and “do you think about suicide?” It is a myth that asking or talking about suicide will put the idea in someone’s head.” (World Suicide Prevention Day Toolkit)
Local resources:
- Guelph/Wellington: 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247)
- COMPASS Distress Line at 1-888-821-3760
- Dufferin: 519-941-1530 (DCAFS)
- KidsHelpPhone: 1-800-668-6868
- 2SLGBTQA+ support line: call or text 226-669-3760
- Black Youth Helpline: 1-833-294-8650
- Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline (12+): 1-855-242-3310
- Multilingual Distress Line: 1-877-298-5444; (TTY) 905-278-4890, Languages served include: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
- Naseeha Helpline (All ages): Muslim support line; 1-866-627-3342 (call) or 1-866-627-3342 (text)
- Trans Line: Trans peer support line; 1-877-330-6366
Other resources:
- The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention is offering a free, virtual panelist conversation to look at the soon to launch 988 crisis service in Canada. Click here to get more information and register.
Categories: News Tags: Mental Health