Coordinated Suicide Prevention Program, Parkland Region

If someone is having a bad day, this is a bigger reason for us to have extra patience and kindness.

Remember to register so you get the link to the Living with Loss to Suicide meeting tonight starting at 6:30. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0vfu6hpz4uHNZJsejrlHB4eFJeu5OCx ... After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Not ready to talk to a doctor or therapist? Try an e-health platform. Canada has WellnessTogether.ca and Alberta has Togetherall.com. Take self guided courses, post about how you are feeling and hear from peers. Learn you are not alone.

What is your "I should...?" If you are just surviving maybe your I should...starts with I should seek help. I should tell someone how I am feeling. I should let someone help me. I should ask for help. Not an easy first step but one that can change the course of your life. Talk to a friend, a partner, a parent or your doctor. Walk in to a mental health clinic (they still accept walk-ins). Call a helpline. Make and appointment. Contact 211 to see what options are available near you.

Only when we can confront the things that are causing anxiety, pain, grief, thoughts of suicide can we actually move past our the feelings that are causing the struggle. Seek help. Find a support group or talk to your doctor. Only you know if you are struggling inside and you need to tell others so help can be found. Access 24/7 780-424-2424

Unlike a broken leg, depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide are hidden. Stigma is when we persist with perceptions that someone will be less effective at their job, can't be a good parent, will be a danger because the individual is managing a mental illness. The danger is actually that we allow these stigmas to persist leaving people to have to put on a mask and present as normal while they are battling inside. Get educated about mental health. Take a Mental Health First Aid Course https://www.mhfa.ca/, learn about suicide through safeTALK. Be the reason someone feels safe and supported to get the help they need to be their best and have compassion and support for days when they aren't.