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SJHH / Health Services/ World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10, 2021 is World Suicide Prevention Day, an opportunity to come together to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention, honour survivors and remember those who have died from suicide.

The 2021 World Suicide Prevention Day theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.” Through this year’s theme, we aim to work together to create a movement of preventative action, to recognize the impact of suicide and ultimately, strive to prevent it. At times, the work of suicide prevention can feel overwhelming, but even small actions can make a huge difference. - Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention.

Suicide occurs across all age, economic, social, and ethnic boundaries. The pain that leads individuals to take their lives is profound. Their deaths leave countless family and friends bereaved and their communities impacted. As many in our community continue to face mental health challenges that come with the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever we need to encourage awareness, reduce stigma, and support one another.

Join St. Joe’s Mental Health and Addictions Program in recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day by promoting awareness, increasing access to supports, and learning more about how to prevent suicide.

Ways to help

Check in regularly to see how they are doing
Sending notes of encouragement
Listening supportively
Telling someone they are loved for who they are
Talk about the resources that are available like the Be Safe App for Hamilton
Remind people that healing takes time

You can make a difference! There is always hope and suicide can be prevented!

Here’s how you can get involved:

Butterfly Release Livestream

View the below Butterfly Release Ceremony of remembrance that took place on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, 2021.

The ceremony and release of butterflies honoured those who have died from suicide and survivors and recognize city-wide suicide prevention efforts.

The safe release of butterflies is a symbol of hope and remembrance.

Take a look back on the butterfly livestream below:

Follow St. Joe’s:

Instagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin

Follow the hashtags:

#WSPD2021

#CreatingHopeThroughAction

#suicideprevention

#suicidepreventionhamilton

#hope

On World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2021), light a candle to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved and to honour the survivors of suicide.

Place a candle in the window of your home, or place an LED tea light of picture of a candle flame at your work space.

Support and Resources

If you, or a loved one is seeking help or support, call/click the resources below:

Youth Wellness Centre
905-522-1155 ext. 31725

COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
905-972-8338

Barrett Centre
1-844-777-3571

Native Women’s Centre
1-888-308-6559

Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (5-20)

Good2Talk
1-866-925-5454 (17-25)

Crisis Services Canada
1-833-456-4566

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

Suicide Prevention Community Council of Hamilton
Spcch.org

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
suicideprevention.ca

Are You in Crisis?

Help is available. If you are in Hamilton:

Go to the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Charlton Campus (50 Charlton Ave. E.) and tell the doctor if you are having thoughts of suicide.
Call the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) at 905-972-8338 or online at www.coasthamilton.ca
Call the Salvation Army Crisis Line at 1-855-294-HOPE or online at www.hopesalive.ca
In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Across Canada, you can find a crisis centre:

There are many on-line websites with information and support about suicide prevention. The websites listed above can guide you to many more resources. Please note that these links are provided for information purposes only and St. Joe’s is not responsible for their content.