World Suicide Prevention Day

10 September, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

A message from Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, Commander of Military Personnel Command

As World Suicide Prevention Day comes to an end, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) invites all Canadians to reflect upon the importance of this issue.

Suicide is a tragedy that has affected the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). It is a concern to all of us and we have made great strides to help those in need. The DND and CAF have extensive mental illness awareness and suicide prevention programs and I strongly encourage all CAF members and civilian employees struggling with mental health concerns to seek help.

The website You're not alone - Mental Health resources for CAF members and families has information for CAF members and their families on how to access the help they need when they need it. Some of the resources available are:

• Canadian Armed Forces Mental Health Services
• Road to Mental Readiness
• Strengthening the Forces: The CAF's Health Promotion Program
• The Guide to Benefits, Programs, and Services for CAF Members and their Families
• Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services At a Glance
• Morale and Welfare Services Directory
• Operational Stress Injury - Social Support
• Canadian Forces Members Assistance program CFMAP

Civilian employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program EAP. 

We have an individual responsibility to make sure that we are promoting mental health within our teams with our employees and colleagues. Promoting a healthy work culture is key and commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day is part of that.

To those who may need help, whoever you are and wherever you may be, suicide is not the answer.

If you or someone you know needs help, do not hesitate to ask for it. Asking for help is the first step towards treatment.

- 30 -