By Sheena Roszell

#WSPD

World Suicide Prevention Day 2019: working together to prevent suicide

Sep 10, 2019 | 11:00 AM

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Faris Atkinson, Program Coordinator for the local Suicide Prevention Resource Centre says suicide is a big issue that affects everyone in our community either directly or indirectly.

“I guess because I am in the field, I hear about it more than most. If you think about it for every person who dies by suicide there are at least 135 directly impacted, I think that is actually a low number, I have seen entire communities impacted by one suicide,” she said.

Atkinson says in Alberta every year about 500 people die by suicide and for every suicide there are approximately 25 to 30 attempts.

She says the groups most at risk are men especially those who work in trades, industry, and agriculture, students, the Indigenous community and the LGBTQ+ population.

Plan Ahead

Why Would You Pre-Plan Your Funeral?

Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

This past Saturday the Resource Centre held their major event in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day. Atkinson says there were about 150 people that showed up to walk into the sunrise and it was nice to have everyone supporting each other.

Tonight, Atkinson is encouraging everyone to light a candle; either a flame or an electronic one.

“Set it inside your windowsill, and at 8 p.m. people all around the world are going to be putting a candle in their window to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day.”

Atkinson encourages people who are concerned about themselves or others to call 8-1-1, or text 6-8-6-8-6-8.

“It can point them in the right direction and give them someone to talk to,” she said. “Those are two really simple things people can do.”