September 10th is National Suicide Prevention Day

Please join the Leduc Beaumont Devon PCN in supporting suicide prevention.  Together we can reduce the number of lives shaken by a needless and tragic death.

Suicide effects all walks of life but certain people are at higher risk. Some risk factors include:

- previous suicide attempt
- family history of suicidal behavior
- feelings of hopelessness or isolation
- mental health disorders
- substance abuse
- life stressors
- past abuse
- school or work problems
- contagion or imitation (the suicide of a friend or exposure to media reports of suicide)
- juvenile delinquency
- living in isolation
- sexual orientation – gay, lesbian and trans-gendered

Warning signs to look for:

- talking about suicide or a plan for suicide
- saying things like “I’m going to kill myself,” "I wish I were dead,”, "I shouldn’t have been born”,
- giving away favorite possessions or making a will
- being preoccupied with death.
- showing a loss of interest in pleasurable activities or things they once cared about.
- personality changes and mood changes.  With drawing from family and friends
- having trouble concentrating, or difficulties with work
- suddenly becoming cheerful after a period of depression (may be the person has already made the decision to escape their problems through suicide)

Centre for Suicide Prevention

If you suspect someone you care about is contemplating suicide, do not be afraid to ask them about it.  You will not be giving them new ideas.  Talk to them and ask how you can help.  Offer hope that help can be found, get involved, become available and show interest and support and support them in seeking out professional support.

If you suspect a friend or family member is at risk of suicide but are not really sure – tell someone about it.  Get help from family, friends, clergy, teachers, counselors, doctors, crisis lines or mental health services or hospital emergency rooms.

In Leduc you can call Leduc Mental Health at 780-986-2660 or the Support Network Crisis Line (24 hours) at 780-482- HELP (4357).

Ledise Mason
Registered Nurse
Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network