Suicide Awareness: Part 1
Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Center Street Psychology blog! We hope everyone had a restful summer and is ready for whatever awaits you this fall. September is suicide prevention month, so we thought it would be important to acknowledge this with a series of blogs to give you information and resources about suicide.
First and foremost, suicide is a very difficult and sometimes triggering subject to discuss. Many of us have experienced losing somebody to suicide and we want to make sure that you feel supported through this blog post. If you or anyone you know struggles with suicidal ideation or thoughts, please reach out to one of the resources listed in this post.
Suicidal behaviour can often be difficult to predict and can present differently from person to person. We might feel guilty for not being able to catch onto warning signs, but some people are more likely to exhibit certain signs than others. The following are considered risk factors for suicide but are not a blanket indicator that suicidal ideation is present.
Mental Health Concerns – People experiencing significant anxiety, depression, stress, and other serious mental health disorders can be at a higher risk of suicide. When these concerns are resistant to treatment and feel like they are not getting better, it might feel like suicide is the only way to change things and gain a sense of control.
Chronic Physical Pain or Illness – When a physical ailment doesn’t go away and consistently affects quality of life, suicide can again be seen as an option for this pain to end. For example, pain related to degenerative diseases like MS and ALS or onset of acute pain following a physically traumatic incident.
Traumatic Experiences – Trauma of any form (eg. physical, emotional, intergenerational, or bullying) can all have a long lasting effect on us and lead to mental health symptoms such as low self-worth, loss of pleasure in life, feeling unworthy of good/positive things, feeling a lack of control, anger, withdrawal from social interactions, and feelings of guilt or shame.
Substance Abuse or Addiction – Addiction can be a very difficult obstacle to overcome, and its effects can cause us to have a lower quality of life, lose relationships and supports, change how we see ourselves. Substance abuse can also be used as a way to avoid coping with and acknowledging past traumatic experiences. Suicide may feel like one of the only ways to break the cycle.
Grief and Loss – Everyone experiences different kinds of loss, whether it be a loved one or an element of our life, such as a job or part of our identity. These loses can leave us feeling very empty, without hope, and in a lot of pain, with suicide seeming to be an escape from emotions and experiences that can feel overwhelming. It is important to note that if a person loses a close friend or family member dying by suicide, they themselves are at a higher risk of suicide.
Identity Struggles – When someone has a difficult time expressing their identity (eg race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion) or feels like they are not being accepted because of who they are, they may feel shame or isolation in their environment.
Feelings of Hopelessness or Helplessness – All of the previous risk factors discussed relate to this in some way. When a person does not feel that there is any hope for their future, that they do not have control over anything, or that there is no way out of a certain situation, they may feel that suicide is the only option.
Below is a list of social and community supports for people experiencing suicidal ideation:
Emergency crisis line- 988 (call or text)
Distress Centre for Calgary – (403)-266-4357
Centre for Suicide Prevention - https://www.suicideinfo.ca/
Seek help from a licenced professional
Seek support from peers and family members if available
Going to the closest hospital if you or someone you care about needs immediate mental health support.
Please reach out to us at Center Street Psychology if you would like to discuss more about our services. We provide support to a wide range of people, and are equipped to support people experiencing suicidal ideation. We provide a collaborative approach and are happy to provide you with a complimentary consultation to help potential “fit” with one of our counsellors. We are an inclusive clinic, located in Calgary, Alberta, providing in-person, virtual or hybrid services within Alberta and across Canada. Please call 403-399-5120 to speak with our Director of Client Care, Amy, who will gently guide you through the counselling process.
Written by: Tyler Schamehorn
