September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day—a pivotal moment to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and combat the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health. Despite progress in mental health awareness, suicide remains clouded by stigma and, in many places, criminalization. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) has chosen the theme for 2024-2026 as “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with the call to action: “Start the Conversation.” This theme is about more than just awareness; it’s about fundamentally altering our approach to discussing and addressing suicide.
Changing the narrative involves moving from a culture of silence and misunderstanding to one characterized by openness, empathy, and support. This transformation encourages everyone—individuals, communities, organizations, and governments—to engage in honest conversations about suicide and mental health. By promoting such discussions, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma, and create a more supportive environment for those affected.
Moreover, changing the narrative calls for systemic changes, including advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, expanding access to care, and supporting research into effective interventions.Recognizing that suicidal thoughts often signify profound distress, and do not increase with acknowledgment, is crucial. Offering non-judgmental support and empathy can guide individuals towards the help they need. World Suicide Prevention Day aims to provide a supportive community and encourage diverse ways to contribute to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters
Suicide is a leading cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives annually and ranking among the top ten causes of death in Canada. Despite its prevalence, the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health often prevents individuals from seeking necessary help. World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a critical platform for raising awareness and fostering open dialogue, essential for dismantling the barriers that prevent people from accessing support.
The IASP’s theme for 2024-2026, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” underscores the need to transform our perceptions and conversations about this complex issue. By shifting from silence to a culture of openness and empathy, we can reduce stigma and enhance mental health support. Meaningful conversations about suicide help break down barriers, encouraging individuals to seek help and ultimately improving mental health outcomes for everyone
The Impact of Criminalization and the Need for Decriminalization
Suicide and attempted suicide are still considered illegal in a range of 23 to 40 countries worldwide. In these countries, criminalizing suicide fails to deter attempts and only compounds the challenges faced by individuals in crisis. This legal status leaves vulnerable people without the essential help and support they need, isolating them when connection is most critical. Rather than reducing the incidence of suicide, criminalization inhibits help-seeking behaviors, leaving nearly 1 billion people with little or no access to mental health support. The stigma surrounding suicide is deeply entrenched, affecting not only individuals but also their families, perpetuating a cycle of shame and secrecy.
Annually, more than 720,000 people die by suicide, and for every death, there are an estimated 20 attempts. The criminalization of suicide does not address the root causes of these mental health crises and only adds a layer of legal fear to an already overwhelming emotional burden. Death by suicide can also impose severe legal sanctions and social consequences on grieving families, compounding their pain and suffering.
Lifeline International (LLI) is at the forefront of advocating for the decriminalization of suicide, emphasizing that those in distress deserve compassion and care rather than punishment. The IASP underscores that decriminalization is crucial for fostering a more supportive and understanding environment where individuals can seek help without the fear of legal repercussions. It also aligns with fundamental human rights principles, as denying access to mental health support constitutes a breach of human rights.
Some key organizations working towards the decriminalization of suicide include:
- International Association for Suicide Prevention: Their policy position and supporting documents underscore the need for decriminalization and outline the roles of various stakeholders in this effort.
- World Health Organization: The Policy Brief on the health aspects of decriminalizing suicide and suicide attempts provides crucial data and research supporting this change.
- Global Mental Health Action Network: The Suicide Decriminalization Working Group, co-chaired by IASP, champions advocacy for decriminalization and promotes world suicide prevention policies.
- Lifeline International: Their Decriminalize Suicide Worldwide campaign aims to build a global knowledge base and advance action on this vital issue.
With appropriate support—such as raising awareness, identifying warning signs, encouraging help-seeking, and committing to both social and legal changes—suicide can be prevented. Crisis lines, which have a long history of proven effectiveness as community-based resources, play a crucial role in this effort. Decriminalization is an essential component of a broader strategy for effective suicide prevention and support.
Join Us On September 10th
We invite you to join us on September 10th at 7:45 PM on the Distress and Crisis Ontario Facebook page for a special livestream event. Together, we will light a candle in memory of those who have died by suicide and honor all those affected. We will explore how to change the narrative around suicidality and brain injury (including stroke) and more. Our keynote speakers, Christina Hennelly and Cheryl Vanderveen, will share their insights, leading meaningful conversations about how we can all contribute to suicide prevention.
Introducing Our World Suicide Prevention Day Keynote Speakers
In preparation for World Suicide Prevention Day, our partnership with Christina Hennelly and Cheryl Vanderveen has been instrumental in shaping our efforts to make this day impactful. Christina Hennelly is the Intimate Partner Violence Specialist and Facilitator at the Brain Injury Association of Waterloo-Wellington. She is also a Psychotherapist (MSW, RSW) and a brain-injury-focused yoga teacher. Christina brings a wealth of experience in helping individuals navigate life’s expected and unexpected changes, especially those feeling overwhelmed by uncontrollable emotions. Her approach is rooted in unconditional acceptance, providing the safety needed for true healing. With expertise in areas like trauma, anxiety, depression, and more, Christina uses a holistic approach that integrates therapies such as ACT, CBT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy. She also emphasizes the healing power of yoga and meditation, guiding individuals to connect with their inner voice and uncover the path that feels right for them. Her compassionate approach has greatly enriched our outreach, ensuring that we provide the tools and resources necessary for long-lasting change.
We are also honored to have Cheryl Vanderveen, a passionate leader, educator, and advocate, joining us. Cheryl is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through Wilfrid Laurier and holds both Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees. She is a strong advocate for Silent Stroke education, support, and suicide prevention, having connected with stroke and suicide experts in several countries. Cheryl’s dedication to raising awareness about silent strokes and post-stroke suicide through conversation and public presentations is invaluable.
Together, Christina and Cheryl will help us create a meaningful and supportive space for World Suicide Prevention Day. Their insights and expertise will be instrumental as we work towards a deeper understanding and more effective prevention strategies.
Resources for Suicidality and Support
It’s crucial to provide accessible resources for those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health challenges. Here are some resources that can offer support:
- Distress and Crisis Ontario: Find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Members operate 24/7 and are completely free to use.
- International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): Offers global resources and initiatives to support those affected by suicide. Visit their website to learn more.
- Mental Health Commission of Canada: Delivers real and meaningful change through initiatives that support people in their communities. Their research and policy work addresses gaps in Canada’s mental health services, aiming to provide better outcomes for all.
- Central Health Line: Provides programs that help people who have survived a suicide attempt or have experienced the suicide of a loved one, offering support to those in need.
- Heartache2Healing: A suicide loss support organization that helps individuals and families navigate grief and find healing after the loss of a loved one.
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP): Promotes the understanding, prevention, and intervention of suicide in Canada by advocating for resources, education, and support services.
- Lifeline International: A global organization offering crisis intervention, emotional support, and suicide prevention services through a network of local and national helplines.
Sources
- International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) – Decriminalisation
https://www.iasp.info/decriminalisation/ - Lifeline International
https://lifeline-international.com/ - 25 Crimes – Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide
https://www.25crimes.org/ - Distress and Crisis Ontario
https://www.dcontario.org/about-us/ - Mental Health Commission of Canada
www.MentalHealthCommission.ca - Central Health Line
www.CentralHealthLine.ca