Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade's suicides have shocked many this week.
Their deaths are a reminder about the importance of recognizing mental health issues, and knowing there are services available.
Lately the Sudbury Mental Health and Addictions Centre is a busy place.
It offers 27 different programs to help people and says individuals of any age, who are experiencing a crisis, can go there and access the services.
Natalie Aubin is the Administrative Director of Sudbury Mental Health and Addictions Centre.
"We are in the state of a mental health crisis, where the volumes that present are really unbelievable. Last year alone, I know for child and youth for example, we had a 31% increase in ED visits alone. In crisis, that number is even more dramatic. Over the last six years, it was well over the 300% increase"
Even though all clients go through their own individual journeys, crisis workers say there are signs to be aware of that can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts or ideas.
Robin Cheslock is a member of Health Science’s North Urgent Mental Health and Addictions team.
"Some isolation, sudden changes in their personal lives. So maybe job loss, could be relationship, could be financial, could be a change in role identity as well. Sometimes there is a lot of conflict around sexual identity.” said Cheslock.
Professionals say the first step for people to understand some of these increasing trends is to become familiar with the services that are available
Anne Sprack is the Clinical Manager of Health Sciences North Urgent Response & Care Transitions Program.
"When children are exposed at an early age, and we do know that in the schools we had increased exposure to suicides, sometimes we see that mirroring effect with our community and community members. So, kids are more aware, kids are talking about it more. So, hopefully when they are coming to our department, they are actually seeking out that help before they make any type of attempt." said Sprack.
Workers at the centre say for anyone who is dealing with any type of mental health illness, a crisis helpline is open 24 hours, 7 days per week.
In Sudbury, crisis intervention services are available 7 days a week at 127 Cedar Street and through a 24-hour crisis line at 705-675-4760.
