Surgeon General Message: September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day

September 6, 2024 - Defence Stories

Suicide is a complex and devastating event that often leaves peers and loved ones with many unanswered questions. Those facing a loss of a loved one through suicide are typically left with feelings of shock, despair, and confusion as they navigate their way through a period of grief. As Surgeon General of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), I want to reiterate that Suicide Prevention remains a priority for the Department of National Defence and the CAF.

Suicide Prevention in the CAF/DND

Suicide Prevention is at the core of our mental health services and the various programs we offer to support our members' mental health. It is the responsibility of all CAF members and DND employees to actively participate in suicide prevention by contributing to and promoting a psychologically safe, inclusive culture in which all Defence Team members feel respected, valued, and accepted. The climate that leaders set with respect to attitudes towards mental health care can influence care-seeking for mental health problems, and leaders play a key role in monitoring the health and well-being of their team.

Resources for CAF/DND Leaders and Employees

I encourage all CAF/DND personnel to take an active role in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (an organized response in the aftermath of a suicide or suicide attempt) by accessing the following resources:

• The Suicide Prevention and Intervention Guide for CAF Leadership (outlines suicide risk factors, warning signs, intervention guidance, and mental health resources)
• The Suicide Postvention Guide for CAF Leadership (assists CAF/DND leadership in navigating the difficult time following a CAF member's suicide or suicide attempt)
• STF Suicide Awareness Resource Toolkit
• Become a Defence Team Mental Fitness and Suicide Awareness Leader

The CAF understands the significant impact suicide has on families, loved ones, and the CAF community as a whole, and continuously strives towards reducing barriers to care, including eliminating stigma around mental health and suicide, and enhancing our programs and services.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles, there's help available:

CAF members and their families: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/military-mental-health.html

DND Public Service Employees and their families: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-employee-assistance-program.html#toc0

Learn more about 9-8-8, Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: www.988.ca

Together, we can all help to prevent suicide through effective leadership, excellence in health care, and being engaged and aware members. Thank you for supporting our efforts to support the mental health of our CAF members.

Merci, Thank you, Meegwetch

• Major-General Scott Malcolm
  Canadian Armed Forces Surgeon General