September 10th is a day recognized by over 50 countries world-wide as Suicide Prevention Day — and this year the focus is on “changing the narrative.”
In Hamilton, the event was marked with a butterfly ceremony at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Attendees were given a paper butterfly to write a message on and attach it to one of several memorial flower-arrangements to remember those that have been lost to suicide or are currently struggling.
It’s a topic that’s hard to talk about but Sydney Stacey, the Chair of the Suicide Prevention Community Council of Hamilton, says changing the narrative is key.
“It’s really and opportunity to engage, bring focus to the issue of suicide, suicide prevention and how we can make our communities safer. I and my family have experienced loss by suicide of a loved one,” he adds.
“It’s devastating, it’s tragic — especially with the fact that we know suicides are preventable.”
Maxime Lewis, the Interim Chief of Psychiatry at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Hamilton Health Sciences says there is a lot of stigma attached to suicide.
“The first thing is to recognize is that talking about suicide isn’t going to put the idea in someone’s mind. The first thing is to be open to asking those questions and if someone does raise they have concerns then helping them to get the help they need.”
She adds it’s important to recognize when someone is not being themselves or acting differently, and to not be afraid to ask them how they are doing or what you can do to help.
According to Randi McCabe, the Interim Vice-President of Mental Health and Addictions at St. Joseph’s Hospital, there are many ways this can be done.
She points to programs like the Crisis Outreach And Support Team (COAST) and the psychiatric emergency facility at St. Joseph’s hospital for those in crisis.
“Within Hamilton, we have the Be Safe App that has those resources and so much more that people can access to get help,” McCabe says. “We also have, across the country, the help line: 9-8-8 which people can call anytime 24/7 to talk to someone who can provide some support.”
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