Crisis line wants to impart message of hope on World Suicide Prevention Day
Posted September 9, 2022 3:48 pm.
A message of hope is what Talk Suicide Canada and CAMH wants to impart on Canadians ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
Dr. Allison Crawford, Chief Medical Officer with Talk Suicide Canada and a psychiatrist with CAMH, tells CityNews they want to let everyone know there is help available.
“There is hope. While we recognize the pain people experience, there are interventions that work. In particular, interventions that increase our connection and support, are the most effective.”
According to the federal government, on average, more than 10 Canadians die by suicide daily. It’s the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 to 29 years old.
“All of us can impact suicide. It’s something that touches all of us. If you go in a room of people, everyone has been affected in some way.”
Dr. Crawford tells CityNews that historically, there’s been lots of stigma around this issue and there are certain risk factors that some face.
“We know some common risk factors, things like depression, substance use, but we know different groups can be affected in different ways.”
The bottom line, she explains, is that when people don’t have their basic needs met or are dealing with poverty racism and other adversity, “those things can also impact people’s risk for suicide.”
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Canadians in many ways, but it also emphasized the importance of mental health as help lines saw an increase of people in distress.
“At Talk Suicide Canada and at crisis lines across the country, we’ve seen greatly increased volumes. [They’ve] tripled throughout the pandemic,” said Dr. Crawford. “Those who didn’t have resources or faced adversity were probably disproportionately affected.”
In November 2023, Canada will be launching its first three-digit mental health crisis line. Anyone who dials 988 will get easy and quick access to services and supports.
CAMH has been tasked with coordination of the service delivery.
“I think it’s going to change the landscape of care … 988 will be a game changer.”
They will be working with other service partners including Kids Help Phone and their U.S. counterparts who recently introduced the 988 line to develop the number.
Talk Suicide Canada can be reached 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566 or you can text 45645 between 4 p.m. or midnight EST.
