Suicide Prevention Day 2022

September 6, 2022 - Defence Stories

Suicide impacts people across Canada, of all ages and backgrounds. Every day, an average of more than 10 Canadians die by suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10, 2022 provides an opportunity to learn more about suicide, and improve our understanding of this very important topic.

Every year, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention develops a WSPD Toolkit (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) with the aim of working together to create a movement of preventative action, recognizing the impact of suicide, and ultimately striving to prevent suicide.

Understanding how to support someone who may be considering suicide (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) is an important step in suicide prevention. Learning the proper language to avoid stigma (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) is instrumental in providing support and preventing suicide. The Mental Health Commission of Canada has developed an excellent toolkit for Suicide Prevention in the Workplace (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) which provides many useful tips and resources. It is also important to know what to do if you are having thoughts of suicide (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website). If you or someone you know is considering suicide, the Centre for Suicide Prevention has developed a resource that guides you through the development of a Safety Plan (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) that will help to avoid a state of suicidal crisis.

Crisis Lines

There are many external crisis lines available that can provide support if you are in distress or having trouble coping. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

• Talk Suicide Canada (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) provides toll free calling at any time, or text support from 4pm – 12am ET.
  • Find Community Resources (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) in your area.
• Kid’s Help Phone (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) provides support to youth in Canada.
• Hope for Wellness Help Line (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) provides support for Indigenous people across Canada.
• Quebec residents can call 1-866-APPELLE (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).

Programs and Resources Available for Defence Team Members

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) are here to help public service employees and CAF personnel, families, and veterans cope with professional or personal challenges that may impact their health and well-being.

If you find yourself needing a helping hand or simply wanting to talk to someone, the DND/CAF have resources available to help.