World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10^th

Pandemic Increases concerns about mental health & suicide

 

For thethird year, CMHA Saskatoonis raising awareness aboutSaskatchewan’s alarming suicide rates. An outdoor art installation on the lawn of the CMHA Saskatoon Office, at 1301 Avenue P North, features work by Marilyn Irwin, as she chronicles her journey after the death by suicide of her son, MacRae.

 

Marilyn Irwin, artist, community activist, suicide survivor and MacRae’s mom. “We desperately need more community mental health supports, so people can get the help they need when they need it. Too many people die waiting and families are suffering alone.”

 

“The release of Pillars for Life, Saskatchewan’s new suicide prevention plan, is a good start to addressing the epidemic suicide rates in our province.”  says Faith Bodnar, Executive Director, CMHA Saskatoon.CMHA Saskatoon looks forward to continuing our work with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority as we implement solutions to these preventable tragedies.

 

Pillars for Lifefocuses on 5 priority areas: 1. Specialized Supports, 2. Training, 3. Awareness, 4. Means Restriction and Means Safety and 5.Research, Surveillance and Evaluation. The plan includes a one government approach, a central focus on prevention, community driven solutions and collaboration with Indigenous and Metis organizations.

 

Research shows the pandemic and its economic impacts are expected to have large scale mental health effects, including increases in suicide. A recent survey reported that in 2018, 2.5% Canadians reported having suicidal thoughts. In May 2020, a follow-up survey found 6% of Canadians recently experienced thoughts of suicide. *Sources

https://cmha.bc.ca/news/more-canadians-thinking-about-suicide-during-pandemic/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7236718/pdf/main.pdf

 

On September 10^th,  from 10:00 am – 3:00 pmeveryone is welcome to come by and experience  the art installation on our lawn and meet Marilyn Irwin. If you are stopping, please wear a mask and keep a physical distance ofat least 3 meters.It’sa day to reflect on coming together to prevent suicide, honour and remember those we’ve lost by suicide, reduce the stigmaabout mental illness and acknowledge that suicide touches everyone.

 

 

Media Contact: Faith Bodnar, Executive Director, CMHA Saskatoon, cell 306-220-5201

 

Information and Links

 

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/saskatchewan-health-initiatives/suicide-prevention-plan

https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/what-we-do/suicide-prevention

https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/we-all-recognize-the-need-to-do-more-sask-government-releases-suicide-prevention-plan-1.4931024

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/05/12/news/sask-suicide-prevention-plan-needs-teeth-says-mla

https://www.ckom.com/2020/08/10/uko-family-ndp-calling-for-public-inquiry-into-saskatchewan-suicides/

https://www.humboldtjournal.ca/news/let-it-burn-activist-likens-suicide-prevention-policy-to-ignoring-forest-fires-1.24186141

https://globalnews.ca/news/7173209/advocate-legislation-indigenous-suicide-rate-saskatchewan/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/waterhen-lake-first-nation-concerns-suicide-attempts-1.5568350

http://www.ementalhealth.ca/Saskatchewan/Suicide/index.php?m=heading&ID=97

https://cmha.ca/documents/preventing-suicide

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-infographic.html

https://www.suicideinfo.ca/

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-624-x/2012001/article/11696-eng.htm

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatchewan-suicide-coroner-1.4787098

 

When we closed our doors in March, like everyone else, we had no idea what a return to work would look like, or when we would have the opportunity to be back at CMHA.

While we worked from home, we focused on supporting the clients that we work with every week, as well as those who were calling in crisis, needing more information, or just needing someone to talk to.

We are so happy to be returning to CMHA in a small capacity. Some of our staff are now booking appointments in office with clients, with safety protocols in place. We have each decided to do what is best for us, and our families at this time.

At this time, CMHA remains open by appointment only. If you are interested in booking an in person appointment with your mental health worker please reach out to them and see what services they are currently offering.

We are in the planning stages to bring back group programming in September and October.

Wondering what to expect when you arrive at CMHA for your appointment?

Please try to arrive no earlier than your scheduled appointment time. Knock on the door, or call your mental health worker to let them know you have arrived. After reading the screening questions, we ask that you put on a mask provided by CMHA (your MH worker will be wearing one as well), and your appointment will take place in the board room, where there is space to distance.

Appointments are limited to 45 minutes, in order to have time to wipe down common surfaces and clean before the next appointment.

We want to take this time to remind you that although things may look and feel very different, our support and commitment to our community remains the same.

#cmhasaskatoon #welcomeback #yxecommunity #yxeliving #nonprofit #mentalhealth

Brenda Yuen, one of our board members from CMHA Saskatoon talks honestly about her ups and down over the last few weeks, and what has been helping to keep her grounded. Also featuring a special appearance from her dog Booey!

#cmha #cmhasaskatoon #mentalhealth

Jenna, a mental health worker at CMHA Saskatoon, talking about a simple gratitude practice that may help to shift your perspective during these times.

Peter, our Life Skills Coach on what he’s doing to take care of his mental health, featuring his furry friend Jack.

CMHA Saskatoon’s Fundraiser Margot on how joy and laughter are getting her through these times. And yes, she is sitting on a swing while filming this video. The playground closures happened the day after this was filmed, how’s that for a little laugh! But the message remains the same – push yourself to find joy and humor where you can.