Today is World Suicide Prevention Day

Some local activities submitted from around the world - From International Association for Suicide Prevention

Australia: Department of Health and Ageing (Australian Government)
The Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing has funded a Breakfast Forum to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day. The Forum is being held on Monday 11 September 2006 in Perth, Western Australia. The Forum is being funded under the Department's National Suicide Prevention Strategy, and will be hosted by the State based Advisory Group for the Strategy. It is hoped there will be 150 attendees from across the community in the following sectors: government and non-government; community based service providers; the corporate sector, Divisions of General Practice and the tertiary sector. The following three presentations will occur at the Forum: 1), Mr Michael O'Kane, State Manager, Department of Health and Ageing re: Welcome and overview of the Australian Government's National Suicide Prevention Strategy; 2) Mr Peter Orchard re: Headspace, National Mental Health Initiative; 3) Ms Lorna Hirsch, Livingworks in the Pilbara re: Pilbara Suicide Prevention Project; and 4) Mr Simon Dann, GP Coastal Division of General Practice & Dr Pam Hendry, Perth Modern School re: GP Coastal's Suicide Intervention Program: GPs Life Saver. In addition to Forum attendees accessing valuable information about these topics regarding suicide prevention, the Forum will provide a valuable opportunity for networking.

Australia
Launch 3 quilt creation workshops in Tasmania: Have sought funding to provide counselling and textile artist resources to enable creation of memorial quilts in a supported and therapeutic environment. We do not have support available for people on our island who have experienced the death of a parent, brother, sister, friend, due to suicide. I hope that the spiritual reflection and launch of 3 quilt creation workshops to be held during the next 10 months will draw attention to the need for such support. As the quilt grows it will perhaps also draw attention to the fact that our state has the second highest incidence of suicide in the country and we need to put suicide prevention more strongly onto health policy agendas, and understand more about why we have such terrible losses (statistics).

Austria: Viennese Crisis Intervention Center
Media-workshop `Mass-media Reporting on Suicide´: We organize a workshop for journalists providing them information about suicide prevention, imitational effects, crisis intervention, influence of media reports on suicidal behavior and suicide media coverage (guidelines `How to Report on Suicide´). In order to improve the cooperation between the Viennese Crisis Intervention Center and Austrian journalists we post regularly updated suicide statistics of Vienna, Austria and EU on our website: www.kriseninterventionszentrum.at

Belgium: Centre for Suicide Prevention
Press Conference and breakfast to be held on Friday 8th September. Issues to be discussed at the press conference include: Suicide in Belgium, Suicide as a public health problem, the role of the media in disseminating information about suicide. There will also be a presentation of new suicide prevention activities being undertaken at the Centre for Suicide Prevention. Time will be provided for questions and answers.

Belgium: Suicide Prevention Project of the Flemish Mental Health Centres
On Monday 4 September we will hold a conference for the media and the mental health sector to launch the new website of the Suicide Prevention Project of the Flemish Mental Health Centres: www.zelfmoordpreventievlaanderen.be At this conference, the Minister of Health and Well-Being will present her plans regarding suicide prevention. Several press releases will announce the event.

Brasil: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Psiquiatria, Porto Alegre
On September 11th we will deliver a brief training on suicide prevention for the clinical personnel of the hospital (including nursing attendants, nurses, etc.). On September 12th two lectures will be presented (by M.D. Ph. D Cláudio Laks Eizirick, President of the International Psychoanalysis Association (IPA) and Ph. D. Blanca Werlang, a Psychologist who studieshistorical aspects of suicide behavior). These lectures will regard the psychodynamics and historical aspects of suicide. We are also developing a guideline for management of suicide risk on our hospital that will be presented to the hospital staff on September 12th.

Canada: The Casey Project, Suicide Awareness
We have had a newspaper interview (full page), have a radio interview coming up, we will start our walk in New Minas, Nova Scotia, Canada to Kentville, N.S., Can. where we will meet at the recreation centre. We have displays of resources available to people in crisis at the rec. cent. We have a wooden forget-me-not crafted out of cedar on a bamboo dowel with wooden leaves, in the centre is a round engravable plaque that can bear the date and name of the loved one you lost, this can be put in a memory garden or indoor plant pot to honour your loved one lost to suicide. This is a fund raiser for suicide prevention. From the rec. centre we will walk around the town square with our banner for World Suicide Prevention Day (which we will honour on Sept. 9th.in our town). Once we get back to the rec. centre, we will have a charity barbeque. This is our second year for the walk. Last year it involved only Kentville, N.S. Next year I hope to involve more towns. One day, all of N.S. and then all of Canada will pick up the torch.

Canada: Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society
We will be doing a button and poster campaign: "Embrace Life Suicide is everyone's Loss" and will be presenting that message along with the message "With Understanding New Hope" in the media, our local univeristy, banks, doctors offices, community service providers, local businesses. and in all of our local high schools and midle schools. We have also recently begun campaigning with business and service providers to make them aware of this day and to solicit their support in making our plans for awareness a success. Planned events include a workshop and luncheon that will focus on information about suicide and the importance of awareness and self care as a preventative measure, a student booth at our local university, and a candle light vigil on Suicide Prevention Day.

Canada: Embrace Life Council Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit
The objective of the event will be to celebrate life, to create awareness of suicide as an issue where solutions can be identified at the community level; to encourage teamwork within communities, and be a media campaign for youth not to give up. Each community will be requested to: • do a walk and to hold hands in a similar manner as the embrace life council logo; • fly the newly created Embrace life flag; • celebrate Nunavut Embrace Life Day by providing refreshments and prizes for games; • post the newly created Poster with Jordan Tootoos image and Kamatsiaqtut’s Helpline number; • distribute wristbands with the words "embrace life" and Brochures for youth entitled embracing life: this is who i am, which includes images of youth and quotes with their perspectives.

Canada: NEED Crisis and Information Line
On Sunday, September 10th there will be a short walk, to be followed by a short discussion forum. We will hear from people impacted by suicide and people working on prevention. We anticipate some media coverage of the event.

Canada (New-Brunswick): Suicide prevention Society
Public awareness by radio interviews. Walkaton, barbecue and live bands.

Chile: Particular/Fondart
Suicide awareness campaign: With the support of the Ministry of Culture of Chile, we are making a campaign for awareness about the suicide phenomenon. We will distribute to the public of Santiago city a series of artistic photo-postals, each one of them with a brief "infography" about suicide statistics and other facts, with its social and medical consecuences. We'll try to get this activity promoted in several press spaces, planed for the 10/09/06.

Germany: National Suicide Prevention Programme for Germany (NaSPro)
Main special event in Berlin. Special ecumenical service in the Gedächtniskirche. Public meeting with politicians and speeches after the service in front of the church. Other local events.

Germany: Psycho-social crisis center Psychosozialer Krisendienst Gesundheitsamt Dresden
The press-conference is a cooperation project between several crisis-intervention-teams, telephone help-lines, the psychiatric clinic of the University of Dresden and especially Prof. W. Felber, president of DGS. We want to inform about + suicide and suicide prevention where can people find professional help and about media guidelines for reporting.

Ghana: Young Mobilization Association
Conference: Children's health.

Guam, United States of America Territory: Life Works Guam
Collaborate and network with other agencies like University of Guam, Department of Youth Affairs, Guam Public School System, public media like the newspaper and television media on the island regarding our Suicide Awareness, Precvention, and Intervention Campaign: With Understanding , New Hope Campaign starting September 1-30, 2006. Weekly write up in the newspaper media, 2 TV interviews. Candle Light Vigil after the 5 K run walk event. Mememory Trees at the various McDonald's Restaurants (we have started last year), a very profound touching event. September 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2006 conduct a two day workshop on the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training at the Univeristy Guam and Outrigger Guam Resort Hotel. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me: 671-632-0257, 671-777-4624, 671-477-8040, Marie Virata Halloran, Executive Director, Life Works Guam.

Hong Kong: The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong will have a radio program in RTHK 2 on 8/9/2006 (Friday)3:30-4:30. The main theme is "With understanding, new hope". The whole radio drama will be divided into three parts to introduce suicide prevention services as well as the importance of listening and understanding. 24-hours hotline volunteers are invited to participate in the drama and share their experience through a storytelling way.

India: Medico Pastoral Association, Bangalore
Rally is being organised to partner with agencies and organisations that provide services to people with emotonial problems and disorders.This will involve representation from students, working professionals,senior citzens, celebrities and volunters of various backgrounds on the theme "Life.You're worth it".

Ireland: Johnstown Therapy Centre, Dublin
Our Centre will be holding an open day on Sunday 10th Sept exhibiting information about suicide. We will also have psychotherapists/counsellors available throughout the day to talk to people who have been affected by suicide.

Ireland: The 3Ts (Turn the Tide of Suicide)
In Dublin, The 3Ts will host a Candlelight Vigil in the city centre to commemorate the many lives that have been lost in Ireland through Suicide both this year and in the past. The Vigil is open to all who have lost loved ones or who have been touched in some way by suicide. Key speakers will join the Vigil to mark the day with music, song, and a minutes silence. Venue: Bank of Ireland (Forecourt), College Green, Dublin 2 Time: 9.00pm - 10.00pm. email: 3ts@alburn.com web: www.3ts.ie

Italy: Department of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome
Following the pattern used last year, we are celebrating World Suicide Prevention Day 2006 with various activities, coordinated by Dr. Maurizio Pompili, such as a conference with the participation of a number of speakers that will present updated information on suicide prevention strategies and focus on the issue. Special meetings have been organised to educate medical personnel to deal with suicidal patients effectively. Nurses and doctors have been invited to take part in this event which has been divided into two parts. One took place in July and the other will be held in the second week of September. Dr. Pompili has also organised conferences devoted to psychologists and other mental health professionals. He also provided a number of editorials and press releases in order to attract public awareness of the problem. Dr. Pompili is also taking care of events to celebrate the National Suicide Prevention Week 2006 organised by the American Association of Suicidology. He has also been invited to organise events for the World Mental Health Day 2006 (Oct 10) dedicated to suicide.

Japan: Lifelink
Following up on our conference of last year and with the enactment of the Fundamental Law for Suicide Measures this year, Lifelink, with sponsorship from the WHO, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (waiting approval), the Johnson and Johnson Contribution Committee and the Central Research Institute, INC, will be holding an all-day forum for invited specialists at the National Institution for Youth Education, Tokyo. The aim of the forum is to create the framework to realise the initiatives for suicide prevention, research and survivor support provided in this new legislation. The forum will begin with Livelink, an interchange between private suicide-related organisations from throughout Japan and will be followed by three sessions to discuss the grand design for suicide measures, surveys of the current state of suicide prevention measures and creation of a regional network for suicide prevention. The forum will end with a party for all participants to deepen their ties and informally exchange ideas. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.lifelink.or.jp.

México: BENEMÉRITA UNIVERSIDAD AUTONÓMA DE PUEBLA
On 14, September, we have organized an activity at the university autonomous of Puebla, this is titled "Meeting about suicidal tendencies: detection and prevention". This activity is organized by the Faculty of Psychology. In this activity professors and students participate in some round tables, and we have made a poster to spread the activity. On 12 and 13, October, we have organized an event titled: "International seminary of integral attention before suicidal conducts". All the information is at:

New Zealand: Canterbury Suicide Project

- A display has been held (27th August 2006) at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences Research Open Day.

- In Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, the Ministry of Health will organise a display for World Suicide Prevention Day which will include suicide prevention resources and materials. This display will be in the foyer of the Ministry of Health offices.

Norfolk Island, South Pacific: Norfolk Island Hospital Enterprise

I will present the LivingWorks program "Suicide TALK", an exploration in suicide awareness. It aims to create to create a community climate of awareness and and interest in learning more about a wide range of suicide prevention activities. To be held on 10th September. I will also write an article for "The Norfolk Islander" local paper and discuss WSPD in a radio interview for Radio Norfolk.

Norway: LEVE (The Norwegian Organization for Suicide Survivors)

There will be, in the period 10th September - 24th September, an art exhibition outside the City Hall in Oslo. The exhibition will be prints of work of arts sent in from all over Norway, and there will also be an exhibition catalogue free of charge available. The title will be "Å LEVE" ("Living").

Pakistan: Fountain House

Fountain House, Lahore is organizing Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September 2006 at 12:00 noon at Prof. Muhammad Rashid Chaudhry Auditorium, Fountain House, Lahore. Eminent mental health experts, famous TV and film artists, teachers, families of the patients and journalists are going to participate in the event. (Public meeting/Suicide awareness campaign.)

Switzerland: Association STOP SUICIDESTOP SUICIDE

organizes various activities around the World Suicide Prevention Day of September 10th, 2006: - an awareness campaign of the population, thanks to the participation of municipalities (Communes) in the Genevan region; - the distribution of brochures, "prêt-à-prévenir", wanting to indicate various help-places, by "mini-theater" in schools; - the participation in a festival of "electro"-music, aiming at to touch young people. All these activities are turned around various solutions which STOP SUICIDE wishes to advance, because suicide is not a solution.

Turkey: Turkish Air Force Command

Messages from commander/high-rank leaders : Emphasizing the importance of suicide prevention efforts and Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (launched on March 2006); informs leadership at all levels to take an active role in suicide prevention. Flyers and brochures : Informational flyers/brochures about mental health/risk factors; messages to air force members that life problems can be solved by different means ;emphasizing social support, interconnectedness, reducing the barriers to seeking help. (with graphics, phares that catch attention etc.)

United Kingdom: Safer Custody Group, Home Office

Various Prison Service establishments are holding events for staff and/or prisoners to mark World Suicide Day. The chaplaincy team at several establishments (eg. Featherstone, Ford, Camp Hill, Gloucester, and New Hall prisons) will be holding themed services in the prison chapel to mark the day. Other prisons are holding special events with various publicity stalls set up. For example, Glen Parva prison will be inviting prisoners and staff to an event in the chapel, with various stalls set up to include: Samaritans, mental health nurses, gym, drug support. Holloway women's prison in London is planning a fete, with money raised being donated to Samaritans. Kirkham prison is planning to hold a yoga afternoon in the gymnasium for staff and prisoners, and will put on a display to publicise yoga and other methods of stress relief. Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution will be holding an awareness day, and community partners have been invited to put up stands/displays on what help and support is available for young people both inside and outside the prison.

World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10, 2006 Press Release

From: International Association for Suicide Prevention

World Suicide Prevention Day 2006Held on Sept 10th

At a press conference on September 8, 2006 at the World Health Organization United Nations Offices in New York, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) announced the Fourth World Suicide Prevention Day to be held on September 10, 2006. Throughout the world, national and local events, including conferences, meetings, concerts and activities with spiritual or cultural contents have been organized to enhance understanding about suicide and to demonstrate ways in which knowledge about suicide can be translated into effective suicide prevention programmes. This year’s theme “With Understanding, New Hope” emphasizes the importance of translating our knowledge and understanding of suicide into the development of effective suicide prevention strategies and programmes.

“In this age of preoccupation with global violence, terrorism and homicides, we often ignore the fact that worldwide more people kill themselves than die in all wars, terrorist acts and interpersonal violence combined,” said Professor Brian Mishara, the President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention. “More than a million people worldwide die by suicide each year, many millions make suicide attempts severe enough to need medical treatment and many millions are affected by the disastrous impact of a suicide. We have now developed enough understanding of suicide to prevent a significant proportion of these tragic deaths, to treat suicidal individuals and help families bereaved by suicide. There is a great need to translate our very considerable knowledge about why people attempt to take their lives into effective strategies, policies, programmes and services, to reduce the tragic loss of lives and the devastating effects of suicidal behaviour. Promising areas for suicide prevention include improving mental health treatment and management, educating physicians, restricting access to lethal means of suicide, educating the community, providing help in crisis situations, providing support after suicide attempts and improving media coverage of suicide.”

“We need to use our knowledge to develop coordinated and comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives throughout the world, adapted to local cultures and resources, to reduce the number of completed suicides, suicide attempts and the consequences of suicide and self-destructive behaviours,” said Professor Mishara.

Suicide is the result of a complex interaction of causal factors, including mental illness, poverty, substance abuse, social isolation, losses, relational difficulties and workplace problems. To be effective, suicide prevention needs to incorporate a multi-faceted approach that acknowledges the multiple causes and pathways to suicidal behaviour and involves health and mental health professionals, volunteers, researchers, families and others bereaved by suicide as well as central and local governments, education, justice, police, employers, religious leaders, politicians and the media. “The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2006, With Understanding New Hope, is an opportunity for persons with experience in understanding suicidal behaviour, including researchers, clinicians and practitioners, to share their knowledge and highlight ways this knowledge can be applied to suicide prevention activities, programmes and policies. Public forums, educational activities and awareness campaigns throughout the world are being held on September 10. It is our hope that these activities will help change public attitudes and increase awareness and knowledge about suicide as a major public health problem that is preventable,” said Professor Mishara.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention was founded in Vienna in 1960 as a working fellowship of researchers, clinicians, practitioners, volunteers and national and local organizations of many kinds. IASP, in official relation with the World Health Organization and in collaboration with the World Federation for Mental Health, believes that suicide prevention should be given greater priority at national, regional and local levels to incorporate research knowledge that has shown that suicide is preventable. Examples of activities held on this day in different countries are posted on the IASP Website: www.iasp.info.

For further information, contact:

Professor Brian L. Mishara, Ph.D.
President of IASP
Telephone: +1 514 987-4832
e-mail: IASP1960@aol.com

In the Asia Pacific region, you may contact contact:

Professor Annette Beautrais in New ZealandFirst-vice President of IASPe-mail: annette.beautrais@chmeds.ac.nz

Suicide Prevention and the Internet

From: The Centre for Suicide Prevention

In the last decade, the Internet has experienced a phenomenal growth as technology costs continue to fall and more and more people have mainstream access to the network. Statistics show that the Internet represents an increasingly important medium, especially among adolescents and young adults who use it as a source of information and communication. A recent study by Statistics Canada (2001) showed that 90% of 15-19 year old teenagers had used the Internet in 2000, compared to 53% for the overall population. Since the younger age group is characterized by high suicide rates, it would be wise for the suicide prevention community to capitalize on new Internet-based prevention opportunities while anticipating potential new
challenges.

Suicide Prevention on the Internet
Vulnerable and at-risk individuals accessing the Internet can find useful information and support through a variety of Internet services including: informative websites, discussion or support groups, and one-on-one counselling or support.

1. Web Sites
Websites often represent the first contact for users and the first opportunity for the suicide prevention community to reach out to individuals who may be vulnerable or suicidal. The great majority of websites currently dealing with suicide are thoughtfully designed and offer a wealth of helpful information. Many organizations, like the Centre for Suicide Prevention (www.suicideinfo.ca), provide lists of suicide risk factors, warning signs, and guidelines on how best to respond to a friend or loved one in a suicidal crisis. Individuals at imminent risk for suicide are usually directed to a crisis center or help line in their region. Information about suicide risk and prevention can be widely distributed at low cost to vulnerable people, many of whom may choose not to access more traditional services.

2. Discussion and Support Groups
The Internet also offers a variety of more interactive services to users. News groups (often referred to as discussion groups or bulletin boards) and mailing lists are services which are open to the free exchange of ideas between users. It is now possible for people to share ideas and feelings across vast distances and with enormous numbers of people. Well moderated discussion groups can serve as an opportunity for vulnerable individuals to share emotional struggles and get the social support that may be lacking in their own social network. Used in this way, Internet discussion groups may contribute to a reduction in suicide risk. However, the true effectiveness of online support groups is difficult to measure since there is little chance to assess users’ true experiences in “real life” beyond their input
within the on-line group (Stoney, 1998).

3. One on One Counselling or Support
The Internet also offers an electronic means of communication, the most popular being electronic mail, or e-mail. Internet-based modes of communication represent a new opportunity for the provision of counselling or emotional support to vulnerable individuals by trained volunteers or counselolrs. As with telephone befriending, communication is typically initiated by the vulnerable individual via e-mail or a real-time chat service. Once the initial contact is made, e-mail messages between the at-risk person and the volunteer or counsellor are exchanged over a period of time (Wilson & Lester, 1998). In the case of a chat service, a vulnerable individual can “talk” privately with a counsellor or trained volunteer in real-time. These innovative communication methods offer significant privacy for the client, even more so than with the telephone. Interestingly, preliminary research has shown that the percentage of people who are suicidal is much higher among e-mail contacts than among telephone callers or walk-ins (Bale, 2001; Wilson & Lester, 1998).

Examples of Preventive Internet Services
Youth One: Online Support Group and Crisis Chat. ---Youth One (www.youthone.com) offers Peer Support Forums and Crisis Chat services to the on-line youth community. The monitored Peer Support Forums allow youth to post and receive messages from their on-line peers. Vulnerable youth can also “talk” in real-time with a trained Support Team member through the Crisis Chat service. Between April 2002 and March 2004, the site saw a 275% increase in the use of the Peer Support Forums and close to a 2000% increase in individuals accessing the Crisis Chat
service, many with suicide related concerns (Osbourne, 2004).

Youth in BC: Crisis Chat and E-mail counselling. ---Youth in BC (www.youthinbc.com) is an innovative internet based resource for youth in crisis that has been operating since February 2004. The site presents information on a variety of topics, including suicide, and links vulnerable youth with trained volunteer listeners (who are supported by professional counsellors) through a real-time chat service, e-mail communication, or the more traditional toll-free telephone number (Miller J. et al., 2004).

Samaritans: E-mail counselling.
In 1994, the Samaritans of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland decided to enhance their already well-established befriending services by adding the option of e-mail contact as another means for offering emotional support. A 1999 survey showed that 53% of e-mail contacts had suicidal feelings, compared to 26% of telephone callers. It has also been observed that men are using the e-mail service more than women by ratio of two-to-one (Bale, 2001).

Preventing Suicide

From: The Canadian Mental Health Association

Suicide. We would rather not talk about it. We hope it will never happen to anyone we know. But suicide is a reality, and it is more common than you might think. The possibility that suicide could claim the life of someone you love cannot be ignored. By paying attention to warning signs and talking about the "unthinkable," you may be able to prevent a death.

Who is at risk?
People likely to commit suicide include those who:

- are having a serious physical or mental illness,
- are abusing alcohol or drugs,
- are experiencing a major loss, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment or divorce,
- are experiencing major changes in their life, such as teenagers and seniors,
- have made previous suicide threats.

Why do people commit suicide?
There are many circumstances which can contribute to someone's decision to end his/her life, but a person's feelings about those circumstances are more important than the circumstances themselves. All people who consider suicide feel that life is unbearable. They have an extreme sense of hopelessness, helplessness, and desperation. With some types of mental illness, people may hear voices or have delusions which prompt them to kill themselves.

People who talk about committing suicide or make an attempt do not necessarily want to die. Often, they are reaching out for help. Sometimes, a suicide attempt becomes the turning point in a person's life if there is enough support to help him/her make necessary changes.

If someone you know is feeling desperate enough to commit suicide, you may be able to help him/her find a better way to cope. If you yourself are so distressed that you cannot think of any way out except by "ending it all," remember, help for your problems is available.

What are the danger signs?
Some warning signs that a person may be suicidal include:

- repeated expressions of hopelessness, helplessness, or desperation,
- behaviour that is out of character, such as recklessness in someone who is normally careful,
- signs of depression - sleeplessness, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, loss of interest in usual activities,
- a sudden and unexpected change to a cheerful attitude,
- giving away prized possessions to friends and family,
- making a will, taking out insurance, or other preparations for death, such as telling final wishes to someone close,
- making remarks related to death and dying, or an expressed intent to commit suicide. An expressed intent to commit suicide should always be taken very seriously.

Prevent a suicide attempt
If you are concerned that someone may be suicidal, take action. If possible, talk with the person directly. The single-most important thing you can do is listen attentively without judgement.

Talking about suicide can only decrease the likelihood that someone will act on suicidal feelings. There is almost no risk that raising the topic with someone who is not considering suicide will prompt him/her to do it.

Find a safe place to talk with the person, and allow as much time as necessary. Assure him/her of your concern and your respect for his/her privacy. Ask the person about recent events, and encourage him/her to express his/her feelings freely. Do not minimize the feelings involved.

Ask whether the person feels desperate enough to consider suicide. If the answer is yes, ask, "Do you have a plan? How and where do you intend to kill yourself?"

Admit your own concern and fear if the person tells you that he/she is thinking about suicide but do not react by saying, 'You shouldn't be having these thoughts; things can't be that bad." Remember, you are being trusted with someone's deepest feelings. Although it may upset you, talking about those feeling will bring the person relief.

Ask if there is anything you can do. Talk about resources that can be drawn on (family, friends, community agencies, crisis centres) to provide support, practical assistance, counselling or treatment.

Make a plan with the person for the next few hours or days. Make contacts with him/her or on his/her behalf. If possible, go with the person to get help.

Let the person know when you can be available, and then make sure you are available at those times. Also, make sure your limits are known, and try to arrange that there is always someone that he/she can call at any time of day.

Ask who else knows about the suicidal feelings. Are there other people who should know? Is the person willing to tell them? Unfortunately, not everyone will treat this issue sensitively. Confidentiality is important, but do not keep the situation secret if a life is clearly in danger.

Stay in touch to see how he/she is doing. Praise the person for having the courage to trust you and for continuing to live and struggle.

What to do following a suicide attempt
A person may try to commit suicide without warning or despite efforts to help. If you are involved in giving first aid, make every effort to be calm and reassuring, and get medical help immediately.

The time following an attempt is critical. The person should receive intensive care during this time. Maintain regular contact, and work with the person to organize support. It is vital that he/she does not feel cut off or shunned as a result of attempting suicide.

Be aware that, if someone is intent on dying, you may not be able to stop it from happening. You cannot and should not carry the responsibility for someone else's choice.

What can you do if you are feeling suicidal?
The beginning of the way out is to let someone else in. This is very hard to do because, if you feel so desperate that suicide seems to be the only solution, you are likely very frightened and ashamed. There is no reason to be ashamed of feeling suicidal and no reason to feel ashamed for seeking help. You are not alone; many people have felt suicidal when facing difficult times and have survived, usually returning to quite normal lives.

Take the risk of telling your feelings to someone you know and trust: a relative, friend, social service worker, or a member of the clergy for your religion. There are many ways to cope and get support. The sense of desperation and the wish to die will not go away at once, but it will pass. Regaining your will to live is more important than anything else at the moment.

Some things that you can do are:

- call a crisis telephone support line,
- draw on the support of family and friends,
- talk to your family doctor; he/she can refer you to services in the community, including counselling and hospital services,
- set up frequent appointments with a mental health professional, and request telephone support between appointments,
- get involved in self-help groups,
- talk every day to at least one person you trust about how you are feeling,
- think about seeking help from the emergency department of a local hospital,
- talk to someone who has 'been there" about what it was like and how he/she coped,
- avoid making major decisions which you may later regret

Do you need more help?
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal and you need more information about resources in your area, contact a community organization, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, which can help you find additional support.

World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10, 2006

From the Canadian Health Network

World Suicide Prevention Day is organized on September 10 each year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to draw world attention to one of the world's largest public health problems.

With understanding, new hope is the theme for 2006. This year focuses on the need to take current research and knowledge on suicidal behaviour and translate it into practical programmes and activities that can save lives.

Despite our increasing knowledge about the causes and consequences of suicidal behaviour, our understanding of what works best in preventing suicide is relatively underdeveloped.

Facts about suicide:
- About one million lives are lost each to suicide each year.
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, particularly in young people.
- More lives are lost to suicide around the world each year than from all wars and homicides.
- Depression is one of the risk factors for suicide.

Preventing suicide—who can help?
To be effective, suicide prevention will require a response from the entire community, including researchers, health practitioners, community and social service workers, governments, police and legal systems, religious organizations, educators and employers.

There are many ways to get involved:
- Organize an event or launch an initiative to raise awareness on suicide.
- Hold a press conference to highlight research findings.
- Hold training courses on the causes of suicide.

For more ideas, and to see a sample of activities around the world, visit the website for World Suicide Prevention Day 2006, or the Centre for Suicide Prevention.