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<\/p>\nInformation compiled by Yuka Sato-Atiyota, MSW, RSW, and JSS Board Member<\/p>\n
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September is Suicide Awareness Month, and World Suicide Prevention day was\u00a0<\/span>September 10th. The main message of the World Suicide Prevention Day campaign is: <\/span>Take a Minute<\/b><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n So let\u2019s take a minute to educate ourselves about suicide, prevention strategies and resources.\u00a0<\/span> Statistics<\/b><\/p>\n What are the causes?<\/b> Other signs and behaviours that might suggest that someone is at risk of suicide include:<\/strong> MOOD\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n BEHAVIOUR<\/b><\/p>\n What can be done?<\/b> If you think someone you know is at risk of suicide:<\/strong> – – –\u00a0<\/span> As a human service organization, JSS is committed to directly supporting and educating individuals as well as engaging in ongoing community education and advocacy to reduce stigma surounding around the issue of suicide and mental illness \/ problems.<\/span><\/p>\n Resources<\/b><\/p>\n There are many resources \/guides available to support you in supporting your loved one\/<\/span> ConnexOntario \u00a0 \u00a0 Mental Health Help Line 1-866-531-2600 <\/span>(24\/7-live)<\/b> Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 \/ text 686868 <\/span>(24\/7-live)<\/b> Distress Centres of\u00a0 Greater Toronto 416-408-4357 \/ text 45645 (text may not be currently available due to technical issues) <\/span>(24\/7-live)<\/b><\/p>\n Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Toronto\u00a0<\/span> Toronto Seniors Help Line <\/span>Phone: 416-217-2077 \/Long Distance: 1-877-621-2077<\/span> Mobile Crisis Supports <\/span>(24\/7-live)<\/b> Government of Canada <\/span>https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/suicide-prevention\/warning-signs.html<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Candadian Association for Suicide Prevention<\/span> https:\/\/suicideprevention.ca<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Mental Health Commission of Canada<\/span> https:\/\/www.mentalhealthcommission.ca\/English\/what-we-do\/suicide-prevention<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nStigma surrounding suicide makes the issue difficult to talk about and often stops us from doing what we can do to help prevent a loss of life. People are also hesitant to intervene because they are not sure what to say and are afraid they will make the situation worse. Evidence shows that a genuine offer of support and compassionate non-judgmental listening are more likely to reduce distress rather than exacerbate it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\nEvidence has indicated that one of the most common risk factors for suicide is a\u00a0<\/span>diagnosis of a mental health problem or illness. According to the recent statistics, of the approximately 4<\/span>,<\/span>000 deaths by suicide each year, more than 90% were living with a mental health problem or illness.<\/span>
\nPeople who die by suicide don\u2019t necessarily want to end their lives. They often want to\u00a0<\/span>stop significant or unbearable mental, emotional or physical pain. They want to end their suffering or put an end to a situation that seems overwhelming to them.<\/span>
\nWhat are the signs?<\/b>
\nWarning signs that might suggest that you or someone you know\u00a0 is at risk of suicide include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\nTALK about<\/b><\/p>\n\n
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\nFortunately, programs and strategies are available that can make a difference.<\/span>
\nIf you think YOU are at risk of suicide yourself:<\/span>
\nThinking about suicide is not shameful or a sign of weakness. Please remember \u2013 seeking\u00a0 help to address suicidal thoughts or a related mental health issue is an indication of your strength and resiliency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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\nDo-s:\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n
\nDon\u2019t-s:<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n
\nfriend who might be at risk of suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.connexontario.ca\/<\/span><\/a>
\nAssistance to access : Addiction, Mental Health, and Problem Gambling Treatment Services\u00a0<\/span>
\nMobile APP also available for\u00a0 download\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/kidshelpphone.ca<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/toronto.cmha.ca\/<\/span> <\/a>
\n*offers ASIST ( <\/span>Applied Suicide Prevention Skills Training) -2-day training course for fee.<\/span>
\n*other supportive resources and services available\u00a0<\/span>
\n*Lists of other community mental health support services on their website <\/span>https:\/\/toronto.cmha.ca\/find-help\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n(NOT 24\/7, but calls answered daily during\u00a0 business hours 7days \/ week )<\/span><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.toronto.ca\/311\/knowledgebase\/kb\/docs\/private\/policies-procedures2\/mobile-crisis-response-teams.html<\/span><\/a>
\n* Mobile crisis support\u00a0 in other municipalities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0<\/span>
\nReferences \/ Sources\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n