Did you know?
There were 3,890 deaths by suicide in Canada in 2009. 2,989 were male. 901 were female.
Men aged 40-60 had the highest number of suicides In Canada with 1361, followed by males aged 20-39 with 892.
Suicide Prevention Primer - Myths & Facts
Supportive Listening:
• Leduc Regional Hub: Tues to Fri 2-6pm, Sat 11am-1pm (780) 739-LHUB (5482)
• Distress Line (780) 482-HELP (4357)
Local Private Counselling:
• Connelly Counselling (780) 237-3510
• Iasis Psychological Services –www.icanheal.ca (780) 739-0707
• Karunia Counselling –www.karunia.ca (780) 628-3939
Showing posts with label suicide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suicide. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 September 2014
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Mental illness and Depression - recognize the symptoms and get help
What is mental illness?
Mental illness is marked by a disruption of mood, thoughts and ability to function in your daily life. The disruptions to mood and thought are often overwhelming and can leave a person feeling as though they are unable to cope with life’s demands. Some mental illnesses, such as depression, can be temporary or episodic, while others, such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder, are life-long. It is not always easy to know if a person is suffering from mental illness, and if they are, sometimes it is unclear as to what illness that might be. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders – IV (DSM-IV) is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental illness. At present, the DSM-IV includes over 300 different mental illnesses.
There is no one test that a person can take that will definitively diagnose a mental illness, though tests are given to provide some information. A trained and experienced mental health provider can provide an accurate mental illness diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment options.
There is no one test that a person can take that will definitively diagnose a mental illness, though tests are given to provide some information. A trained and experienced mental health provider can provide an accurate mental illness diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment options.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have depression or another mood related concern, talk to your doctor.
Markers of depression include:
(Most of the days, in the past two weeks)
Inability to feel:
o Pleasure, hope, love, or attachment
o Emotionally “flat”
Thinking:
o Poor concentration due to difficulty pulling thoughts together, slow thinking
Thoughts:
o “I’m disgusting, worthless, inadequate.”
o “I’ve done something wrong; I’m at fault.”
o “Nothing will work out.”
o “Things will never get better”
o “I cannot do anything. Nothing helps.”
o “Death would be a relief.”
Motivation:
o Loss of will, desire, interest
o Avoidance of people, work and activity
Physical:
o Disrupted sleep: too much or too little
o Poor appetite or overeating
o Weight loss or gain
o Reduced or no ability to respond sexually
o Possible crying spells without knowing why
Activity:
o Restless or slowed activity/speech
o Reduced talking, smiling, motion, energy
You can take an anonymous depression screening test at: www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org
Additional Mental Health Resources:
http://camimh.ca/about-mental-illness-and-mental-health/
http://mentalhealthweek.cmha.ca/
Local Mental Health Services:
• Leduc Mental Health Clinic (780) 986-2660
Subsidized Counselling:
• FCSS – Leduc (780) 980-7109
• FCSS – Beaumont (780) 929-1369 or (780) 929-3327
• FCSS – Devon (780) 987-8325
• FCSS – Leduc County (780) 979-2385
Supportive Listening:
• Leduc Regional Hub: Tues to Fri 2-6pm, Sat 11am-1pm (780) 739-LHUB (5482)
• Distress Line (780) 482-HELP (4357)
Local Private Counselling:
• Connelly Counselling (780) 237-3510
• Iasis Psychological Services –www.icanheal.ca (780) 739-0707
• Karunia Counselling –www.karunia.ca (780) 628-3939
Monday, 9 September 2013
World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10
September 10th 2013 is World Suicide Prevention Day
Every year on September 10th, the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other organizations around the globe, observe World Suicide Prevention Day.
The purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day is to:
• raise awareness that suicide is preventable;
• improve education about suicide;
• spread information about suicide awareness;
• decrease stigmatization around suicide.
According to Alberta Health Services data, approximately 3,500 Canadians die by suicide every year, which is only slightly below the number of people who die every year from colon and breast cancer. Suicide is consistently a leading cause of death in Alberta, with over 500 people lost to suicide in 2011. Suicide rates in Alberta are higher than any other province in Canada. Suicides claim more Albertans every year than motor vehicle accidents, AIDS or homicides.
Risk factors for suicide include:
• previous suicide attempt;
• knowing someone who has attempted or committed suicide (family, friends, school-mates, co- workers);
• family history of abuse;
• local epidemics of suicide (this is called a “contagion” effect);
• mental illness (e.g. depression, bipolar);
• history of alcohol or substance abuse;
• loss (death, job, relationship, pet, etc.);
• feelings of unremitting hopelessness.
Signs that someone might be suicidal:
• direct statements such as, “I’m going to kill myself”;
• indirect statements such as, “everyone would be better off without me”;
• preoccupation with death or dying;
• isolation or cutting oneself off from others;
• marked change in mood – this can either be someone who has been happy and who is now miserable, OR someone who has been very down but suddenly seems happy (can be a sign that they’ve made the decision to kill themselves and are now feeling relieved);
• increased use of alcohol or drugs;
• increase in reckless behaviour (e.g. doing drugs or driving recklessly);
• saying goodbye, giving away possessions (when there’s no logical reason for this);
• obtaining the means to kill oneself (e.g. guns, pills, rope, etc.).
If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, please contact:
• 911;
• 24 hour Addiction & Mental Health Crisis Response Team: (780) 342-7777;
• Leduc Mental Health: (780) 986-2660;
• The Support Network Distress Line: (780) 482-HELP (4357).
Join the local and global communities in helping to raise awareness about this serious issue
Crisis Support Centre Breakfast:
The Crisis Support Centre will be having a breakfast in honour of Suicide Awareness week and it will take place on September 10, 2013, which is also World Suicide Prevention day.
The CSC invites you to join them from 7:30am – 8:30am at The Westin Edmonton for a delicious hot breakfast while listening to stories of courage and hope in the face of adversity. By joining the conversation, you can lift the silence and break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.
This breakfast raises awareness and funds for the lifesaving services of The Support Network’s Crisis Support Centre.
“Together we can change lives, and save lives.”
Click here for more information on the Crisis Support Centre Breakfast 2013.
Join the Official World Suicide Prevention day 2013 Facebook Event Page
(co-hosted by the World Health Organization and the International Association of Suicide Prevention)
World Suicide Prevention Day 2013 Facebook page
Suicide affects us all and it is preventable. Reach out if you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of suicide. You can talk to a trusted friend, family member, clergy person, mental health professional. Help is out there if you need it.
Additional Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Crisis Support Centre
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
Sheila Gothjelpsen is a Registered Psychiatrist at the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network.
Every year on September 10th, the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other organizations around the globe, observe World Suicide Prevention Day.
The purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day is to:
• raise awareness that suicide is preventable;
• improve education about suicide;
• spread information about suicide awareness;
• decrease stigmatization around suicide.
According to Alberta Health Services data, approximately 3,500 Canadians die by suicide every year, which is only slightly below the number of people who die every year from colon and breast cancer. Suicide is consistently a leading cause of death in Alberta, with over 500 people lost to suicide in 2011. Suicide rates in Alberta are higher than any other province in Canada. Suicides claim more Albertans every year than motor vehicle accidents, AIDS or homicides.
Risk factors for suicide include:
• previous suicide attempt;
• knowing someone who has attempted or committed suicide (family, friends, school-mates, co- workers);
• family history of abuse;
• local epidemics of suicide (this is called a “contagion” effect);
• mental illness (e.g. depression, bipolar);
• history of alcohol or substance abuse;
• loss (death, job, relationship, pet, etc.);
• feelings of unremitting hopelessness.
Signs that someone might be suicidal:
• direct statements such as, “I’m going to kill myself”;
• indirect statements such as, “everyone would be better off without me”;
• preoccupation with death or dying;
• isolation or cutting oneself off from others;
• marked change in mood – this can either be someone who has been happy and who is now miserable, OR someone who has been very down but suddenly seems happy (can be a sign that they’ve made the decision to kill themselves and are now feeling relieved);
• increased use of alcohol or drugs;
• increase in reckless behaviour (e.g. doing drugs or driving recklessly);
• saying goodbye, giving away possessions (when there’s no logical reason for this);
• obtaining the means to kill oneself (e.g. guns, pills, rope, etc.).
If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, please contact:
• 911;
• 24 hour Addiction & Mental Health Crisis Response Team: (780) 342-7777;
• Leduc Mental Health: (780) 986-2660;
• The Support Network Distress Line: (780) 482-HELP (4357).
Join the local and global communities in helping to raise awareness about this serious issue
Crisis Support Centre Breakfast:
The Crisis Support Centre will be having a breakfast in honour of Suicide Awareness week and it will take place on September 10, 2013, which is also World Suicide Prevention day.
The CSC invites you to join them from 7:30am – 8:30am at The Westin Edmonton for a delicious hot breakfast while listening to stories of courage and hope in the face of adversity. By joining the conversation, you can lift the silence and break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.
This breakfast raises awareness and funds for the lifesaving services of The Support Network’s Crisis Support Centre.
“Together we can change lives, and save lives.”
Click here for more information on the Crisis Support Centre Breakfast 2013.
Join the Official World Suicide Prevention day 2013 Facebook Event Page
(co-hosted by the World Health Organization and the International Association of Suicide Prevention)
World Suicide Prevention Day 2013 Facebook page
Suicide affects us all and it is preventable. Reach out if you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of suicide. You can talk to a trusted friend, family member, clergy person, mental health professional. Help is out there if you need it.
Additional Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Crisis Support Centre
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
Sheila Gothjelpsen is a Registered Psychiatrist at the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network.
Monday, 10 September 2012
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
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