Author: Cindy Engelstad B.A. ICF
Since 2003 September 10th has been recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day, with the commitment and action to prevent suicides around the world. Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Stigma, particularly surrounding mental disorders and suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide are not seeking help and are therefore not getting the support they need. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
The call to action encourages starting the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.
Eating Disorders
Studies have found that there is an association between eating disorders and suicides, with individuals with eating disorder eight times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Despite these alarming statistics, effective treatments and strategies are available for managing eating disorders and suicidal behaviours. Understanding why this group is at an increased risk may be the key to understanding which strategies and tools could be most effective. Given the significant toll on mental, psychological, social, and physical health for individuals who live with eating disorders, it is no surprise that these populations are at a greater risk. It is important for clients and treatment teams to talk about and assess for individual risks and support the call to action of World Suicide Prevention Day by ‘starting the conversation’.
To support or be supported there are mental health resources available, both locally and nationally.
• 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline - call or text 24/7
• Visit: www.988.ca
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Text: CONNECT to 686868 - 24/7
• Visit: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
If your safety is at risk call 9-1-1 right away.
To learn more about World Suicide Prevention Day and how you can play a role in increasing suicide awareness within your community, visit: https://suicideprevention.ca/events/world-suicide-prevention-day/
To learn more about suicide and eating disorders, visit the National Eating Disorder Information Centre: https://nedic.ca/media/uploaded/NEDIC_Bulletin_Vol_38_No_2_-_Jul_2023_-_Suicide__Eating_Disorders.pdf
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