Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), which, every year, encourages people to have open, honest conversations about suicide.

B次元官网网址淪uicide Prevention Day is really important because suicide impacts many people,B次元官网网址� said Maria Weaver, the associate director of suicide prevention and life promotion for the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) B.C. division. "It is an opportunity for us to remember that suicide is preventable and for us to start these conversations and to remind folks that help is available.B次元官网网址�

Globally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) B次元官网网址� the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. In Canada, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide annually, according to Statistics Canada. ThatB次元官网网址檚 equivalent to approximately 12 suicides every day B次元官网网址� the second leading cause of death among 15- to 34-year-olds.

Though suicide is a major public health challenge, talking about it is stigmatized. Reducing that barrier is what WSPDB次元官网网址檚 theme this year B次元官网网址� changing the narrative B次元官网网址� is designed to mitigate. 

"Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support," said the WHO in a news release.

B次元官网网址淭here are many reasons why historically it has been challenging to talk about suicide or mental health more generally, and I do think a lot of them tie back to misunderstandings or a lack of information,B次元官网网址� said Weaver. B次元官网网址淭here used to be a myth that talking about suicide would put the idea in someoneB次元官网网址檚 head.B次元官网网址�  

In the same news release, the WHO, which helped create WSPD in 2003, issued a call to action urging people to talk to their friends and loved ones about suicide. 

B次元官网网址淓very conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society,B次元官网网址� said the organization. B次元官网网址淏y initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better cultures of support.B次元官网网址� 

Weaver echoed that sentiment.

B次元官网网址淚 always say that suicide is everyoneB次元官网网址檚 business in the same way that other public health concerns are everyoneB次元官网网址檚 business,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲e all have a part to play in creating a culture where mental health can be talked about openly and honestly.B次元官网网址� 

Creating an open, honest environment begins with learning.  

B次元官网网址淲hen that stigma often comes from fear, the best way to combat that fear in ourselves is through knowledge,B次元官网网址� said Weaver. B次元官网网址淭he more weB次元官网网址檙e able to understand, to read, to learn from our loved ones who might be struggling, the more likely it is that weB次元官网网址檙e going to be able to show up as our best selves and be supportive.B次元官网网址�  

For WSPD, the CMHA's B.C. division is holding a free, half-day on Sept. 25 at the Monterey Centre in Victoria, which will help attendees learn how to assist someone thinking about suicide.

Click for information about suicide prevention resources in B.C., and follow this for more information about World Suicide Prevention Day.