World Suicide Prevention Day marked in Sudbury
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and a group of community members, survivors of suicide loss, front line professionals and educators known as The Suicide Safer Network in Sudbury came together to raise awareness in hopes of destigmatizing suicide. From painting rocks with messages of hope, to hearing from a series of speakers with lived experience, the theme for this year's World Suicide Prevention Day event was Hope through action.
“It takes all of us to prevent suicide so some of the things we can do is reach in and ask questions when you see someone struggling." Mark Fraser, Director of Clinical and Client Services at Compass said.
"The other piece that we can do is increase understanding, raising awareness means destigmatizing suicide and talking about suicide. The other piece is sharing experiences.”
Devin Shyminsky lost his wife 10 years ago, and says not only is there stigma surrounding those who die, but also for those who are left behind.
“Days like today are really important because I can feel safe and comfortable saying her name, so often just saying Joanna is met with like people recoiling physically because they’re uncomfortable cuz they know how she died so today I can share that we were together for 8 years that I was married to her and that she died by suicide and that I still think about her everyday.”
According to statistics 11 people die by suicide in Canada each day. For every death at least 7 to 10 survivors are significantly affected by the loss.
“We know that in the north we are almost double the provincial rates and there’s many reasons for that. rurality is one factor, needs and gaps in services, long wait lists those are all things that contribute to suicide and suicide rates,” Fraser said.
Fraser adds despite additional funding and raised awareness, there is always more that can be done. However, he wants everyone to know there are resources and supports available for those that need them.
If you need support call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1 (833) 456-4566 or text 45645 or Connex Ontario at 1 (866) 531-2600.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.