Supporting a Mentally Healthy Kelowna
It was the 5th year that more than 130 golfers came together for Primaris’ Orchard Park Shopping Centre golf tournament to tee off for mental health in Kelowna. The annual event links the importance of mental health awareness, programs and support for everyone in the community – this year raising $105,000 for Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna.
While some people who consider suicide do so fleetingly or only once in their lives, others may experience ongoing thoughts of suicide or experience them off and on over time. People may feel that suicidal thoughts are holding them hostage. Experiencing these thoughts may feel like absolute darkness, hopelessness, pain, and like nothing matters but stopping that pain. As friends and loved ones, we may feel at a loss to help.
If the person at risk of suicide is in immediate crisis, the emergency department is the right place to go. Otherwise, creating a safety plan is a good way forward.
What is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month?
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) in partnership with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is leading a campaign to bring awareness about mental health promotion and suicide prevention. They have gathered a large network of community partners to plan and organize the third annual Suicide Prevention Awareness campaign. The Suicide Prevention Awareness Month planning group includes representatives from all sectors including Workplace, Health Services, Community, School Boards, and Post-Secondary Institutions.
Why are we Focusing on Suicide Prevention?
According to the World Health Organization, someone around the globe dies by suicide every 40 seconds1. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadians under 25 years-old2. This is still happening despite the fact that suicide is preventable. For more information, read the Mental Health Profile Report: Windsor-Essex County by clicking here.
The key message for our campaign is “You Are Not Alone”. Connecting and openly communicating with those who have had suicidal thoughts or those who have lost loved ones to suicide is essential in the effort towards suicide prevention. Since many people are unable to express and discuss their feelings due to the fear of being stigmatized, we hope that this message will help those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or have lost a loved one to suicide to know that there is help available to support them in their journey towards healthier and more meaningful lives.
This year, the goal is to raise awareness for suicide prevention, improve education, and build skills in the community to reduce incidents of self-harm. We hope to increase public knowledge about suicide warning signs and where to access relevant resources and services related to prevention, intervention, and bereavement.
Three videos have been created for Suicide Prevention Awareness. Please view and share using hashtags #SuicidePrevention2019 #YouAreNotAlone
*this release originally appeared on the CMHA Windsor-Essex County website