Letter to the Editor
Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal
Tuesday, October 8, 2002
We must overcome stigma about suicide
The theme for Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 6-12) is "Reach Out to Prevent Suicide". Suicide is a serious public health problem and every year approximately 4,000 Canadians take their own lives while many more try. One in 13 Canadians are affected by suicide and suicidal behaviour, regardless of age, culture, income and education.
Suicide is preventable and although suicide often results from many socio-cultural factors, mental illness is almost always a factor. Access to support services, appropriate treatment and individualized care can reduce the suicide rate.
Providing people with opportunities to realize their full potential and to see the range of possibilities open to them is another way to give hope and to support individuals who may be feeling that they have not other options.
The cost of suicide is tremendous to survivors, families, and the community at large. Every person who dies by an act of suicide is someone's mother, father, sibling, grandparent, friend or loved one. They are people with hopes, dreams, talents, ambitions, a past and a future, and a desire to participate in society to their full potential. They are our neighbours, acquaintances, members of our places of worship, service clubs, coaches, professionals and the people that provide us with services. Often they need the help of the community and its supports to stay focused on the achievement of these dreams and in restoring a sense of balance, hope and perspective.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week we are encouraging everyone to think about their attitudes regarding suicide, to reach out to those who are in need and who may be at risk and to encourage the community to look at this issue as a public health problem.
If we do not overcome the barriers and stigma that stop people from getting help for their mental health problems we will not reduce Canada's suicide rate. To delay action will result in more tragedy and hurt for the families and survivors of suicide, we must act now.
JANE MacKENZIE
Patient Advocate
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Thunder Bay
