Observed on September 10th every year, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) provides the opportunity for people across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.
From 2015-2020, 12-15 CAF Regular Force members took their own life annually. The 2015-2019 5-year crude suicide rate for Regular Force members was 24.5 per 100,000 population. Suicide prevention is a top priority. Each death from suicide can have a tragic impact on families, friends, and colleagues.
Do you need someone to talk too? Is a loved one at risk? Risk factors include a mental health diagnosis, work/life stressors, loss of a loved one, a history of deployment, and being part of the Army command. Warning signs that may indicate someone is contemplating suicide include threats or comments about killing themselves; social withdrawal from friends, family, and their community; dramatic mood swings; talking, writing, or thinking about death; impulsive or reckless behaviour; aggressive behaviour; and increased alcohol or drug use.
Think you know someone who is struggling? It’s time to raise awareness and recognize our role to help prevent it. Ask. Listen. Encourage them to seek help! There are a number of resources available:
CFMAP: 1-800-268-7708
Family Information Line: 1-800-866-4546
Take a moment to remember: there is help, there is hope. It is important to look after yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, utilizing available resources, maintaining your social network, finding time to relax, and embracing strategies to improve resilience.
The theme for WSPD 2022 is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ as we hope to encourage and empower people to take action to further prevent suicide around the world.
There are a number of upcoming courses here at CFB Borden that may helpful:
INTER-COMM – To be held: 19/20 October (For registration, visit www.CAFConnection/Borden)
Mental Health First Aid – To be held: 7/8 November – Registration deadline: 10 September (Email Debbie Legault, Family Support Facilitator at debra.legault@forces.gc.ca)
Alcohol, Other Drugs, Gambling, and Gaming Awareness (AODGGA) – To be held: 10 November (For registration, visit www.CAFConnection/Borden)
Managing Angry Moments – To be held: 15 November (For registration, visit www.CAFConnection/Borden)
Mental Fitness and Suicide Awareness (MFSA) – To be held: 1 December (For registration, visit www.CAFConnection/Borden)
