The Town of Cochrane staff recently reached out to the Eagle in an effort to raise awareness of the issue of suicide, and to encourage individuals affected by suicide to seek the necessary help and find support.
With upcoming Survivors of Suicide Loss day on Nov. 7, individuals affected by the loss of a loved one due to suicide are invited to attend the annual Calgary event at the Calgary Zoo Safari Lodge from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
“Those left behind are left to navigate an often complex grief process that comes with a loss by suicide,” – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) website.
According to the CMHA, more than 500 people commit suicide in Alberta every year.
The Eagle sat down with Andrew Gustainis, certified grief counsellor and a group leader at Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) from Cochrane, to discuss the importance of events such as these, other ways survivors can seek support, and how to reduce to risk and bring awareness to the issue.
Eagle: There will be an upcoming Survivors of Suicide Loss Day in Calgary on November 7th sponsored by Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region. Why (in your opinion) do you feel it is important for those who have been affected by suicide to attend an event such as this?
Gustainis: When someone close to us dies, we generally experience an immense emotional and physical reaction, which we call grief. However, if our loved one dies by suicide, this grief is compounded by the traumatic nature of the death. In fact, according to the American Psychiatric Association, the level of stress resulting from the suicide of a loved one is ranked as “catastrophic.”
Coping with a suicide loss also brings with it a number of issues; avoidable nature, sudden, denial of life, possibly blame and shame – that are not usually present when the death is by natural causes. This can complicate the grieving process for the survivor, so it is helpful to connect with, and be supported by people who are familiar with this type of loss.
Eagle: This is a topic, that while it happens all across Canada, still feels very taboo to talk about and not one that is necessarily easy to bring up.
Gustainis: That is very true. There are approximately 11 deaths by suicide reported each and every day in Canada. About 500 of those are in Alberta. Worldwide, we lose about one million people a year to suicide, and yet we seem to be uncomfortable and shy away from conversations about suicide.
In my opinion, suicide is still very much a taboo subject in our society. Talking to someone about suicide tends to force us to confront our own values, beliefs, and experiences with suicide. Because of this reluctance, after a suicide death the survivor can experience social stigma, which are negative attitudes and behaviours regarding the loss. The stigma can leave survivors feeling “different” and isolated, which can become barriers for seeking help.
Eagle: Are there groups that are more at risk for suicide?
Gustainis: Based on the statistics, there are certain groups at higher risk in Canada. For example, men are 3-to-4 times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. In particular, men aged 45-54 are at higher risk. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for young people in Canada, and accounts for 24 per cent of all deaths among 15-24 year olds.
Aboriginal people in Canada have some of the highest suicide rates in the world, in particular the youth. Individuals exposed to trauma as a natural part of their work (such as) military, police, first responders, or those in minority or marginalized groups have an increased risk of suicide as well.
Eagle: Is there a way to identify at-risk individuals, for parents, teachers or friends?
Gustainis: There is a whole range of risk factors associated with suicide. For example, feelings of hopelessness or isolation, previous suicide attempts or gestures, psychiatric disorders or mental illness, substance use or abuse, family violence or history of physical or sexual abuse to name a few.
One of the common myths surrounding suicide is that they occur with little or no warning. But, in fact, about 80 to 85 per cent of suicides give warning signs. Some of these warning signs include talking about suicide or a plan for suicide; saying things like, “Nothing matters,” or “It’s no use” or other statements about hopelessness or helplessness; withdrawing from friends and family; changes in eating and sleeping habits; showing a loss of interest in pleasurable activities or things they once cared about.
Eagle: What are some ways to reduce the risk of suicide?
Gustainis: First, we need to be aware of, and alert to the risk factors and warning signs I just mentioned, and respond appropriately. Then there are certain protective factors thought to reduce their risk of suicide; external factors such as good relationships, a stable environment, family cohesion; and internal factors such as a sense of belonging, sociability, connectedness to work or school, a sense of worth and self-confidence. So, as much as possible, we should try and increase or maintain these protective factors.
Also, we need to get informed. There are countless options for information and resources regarding suicide, prevention, and bereavement support.
Eagle: If someone thinks they know a person that is at risk for suicide what should they do?
Gustainis: Communication is the first step in suicide prevention. All suicidal thoughts or threats must be taken seriously, as should any behaviour that is out of character for an individual.
Another myth regarding suicide is that talking about it will give the person the idea. You will not make the person suicidal by asking them directly if they are thinking of hurting themselves. Most likely they will feel relieved you asked and now know you care. Also, talking about suicide is the first step in getting them the help they need.
Trust your instincts. If you are concerned about someone, tell others about it, share the responsibility of care. Get help from family, friends, counsellors, doctors, clergy, teachers, crisis lines, mental health services or hospital emergency departments.
Eagle: What are some ways people can start to open up a discussion and begin to raise awareness?
Gustainis: As I mentioned, I think it’s so important to become informed and aware. Ask questions, attend events like the Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, read the literature, and if the topic comes up when talking to a friend, family, or colleagues, try not to avoid the subject. Talk openly about suicide, challenge close-minded views, use the word “suicide” and most importantly, help those at-risk if possible.
Eagle: What are other ways survivors of suicide can seek support? And what resources and supports are there for suicide prevention and intervention?
Gustainis: Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is preparing to offer drop-in suicide bereavement support groups based on interest from the community. Please call 403-851-2250 for more information.
Other services in Cochrane include Cochrane Walk-in Mental Health, Monday to Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 3 p.m. on Friday) and Cochrane Community Health Centre from 8 a.m. -10 p.m. 365 days per year.
And for suicide prevention and intervention:
Dial 9-1-1.
For immediate suicide support, dial 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).
Distress Centre/Crisis Line: 403-266-HELP (4357) any time, any day.
ConnecTeen CALL: 403-264-8336, Text: 587-333-2724, Online Chat: calgaryconnecteen.com
Centre for Suicide Prevention (Info and research): suicideinfo.ca
The annual Survivors of Suicide Loss day is hosted by the CMHA.
