By Sam Bennison

To Your Health

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention day

Sep 10, 2024 | 5:00 AM

PRINCE GEORGE— September is National Suicide Awareness Month with World Suicide Prevention day taking place on September 10, 2024. Both campaigns serve as a reminder for all Canadians that they’re not alone and help is always available.

“We really believe accessibility is the most important thing,” says Riley Skinner, the Executive Director of the Crisis Centre for Northern B.C. “There are a lot of different crisis lines in B.C., and also in Canada, and any line is the right line. What’s most important is that you connect to another human being to talk about suicide or what you might be feeling. And it’s important that’s available 24/7 365.”

With the implementation of the 9-8-8 hotline in November, the Crisis Centre for Northern B.C. has doubled their call volume having received 22,000 this year. Skinner explains that not all the calls were from Prince George because they receive calls from across Canada. They add that “It doesn’t mean that it’s more prevalent, like thoughts of suicide or crisis is more prevalent. It just means it’s more accessible to people who didn’t know it was there.”

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Another role of Suicide Awareness Month is to destigmatize the conversation around suicide. Skinner says that the best way to do that is to discuss suicide openly and that the belief around suicide being a taboo topic creates more harm.

“When we destigmatize it or have those conversations openly. We kind of encourage others around us to talk openly about suicide,” says Skinner.

As for those who are christian, destigmatizing discussions of suicide comes with the added baggage that it’s historically considered a sin.

“It’s rooted in this notion that everything that is alive is somehow sacred, somehow holy or a gift from from God. Therefore, to do anything that would harm life becomes sinful,” explains Reverend Dr. Bob Fillier, lead minister at Trinity United Church.

He asks everyone to challenge that notion adding that “Saying ‘hey, I’m having a really horrible day and I really don’t see any way out of this or any hope for tomorrow.’ That’s not a sign that you’re sinful. That’s a sign that you’re human.”

If you are having thoughts of suicide and need immediate help call 9-8-8.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com