If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time. It’s free, confidential and available across Canada. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Suicide is one of the most important things that I discuss with my clients, and it’s something we generally need to discuss more in our lives. Discussing suicide is uncomfortable and scary, and the reality is that we are often highly motivated to avoid it. Sometimes we worry about what people we love might say, that we might be part of the problem, or that talking about suicide will make things worse.
The challenge is that talking about it is usually exactly what we do need to do. We often feel completely alone, overwhelmed, and at our lowest when we are thinking about dying by suicide. Moving from a place of silence to one of understanding, openness, and support is protective and preventative. No matter how small, initiating conversations about suicide and suicidal ideations can help us break down barriers, raise awareness, and help us find safe sources for support. Talking about it is less likely to make things worse than it is to be exactly what we need.
To learn more about how to have these conversations consider visiting: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/worried-about-someone/how-to-talk-to-somebody-about-suicide/
More resources, including crisis lines, may be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html