Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention is a global health concern and is a priority for Western Health.
This video was developed by the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Committee, a sub-committee of Community Mental Health Initiative formed in 2010 and comprised of members from other agencies, community organizations and individuals whose lives have been affected by suicide. The Committee created a video in the Western Region of Newfoundland featuring a local mother who lost her 17-year old son to suicide. The video hopes to send a powerful message to viewers about suicide and its impact. It promotes the key messages of knowing the warning signs and where to get help as the main ways to prevent suicide.
Suicide: The Ripple Effect
This 5 min video shares the perspective of a suicide attempt survivor who says “The millisecond my hands left the rail, it was an instant regret.” It is the story of a man who jumped off San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and lived to tell his story. He hopes that his emotional tale can inspire others to seek help. Unfortunately, this bridge is one of the most frequently used places in the world to die by suicide. Please note: the video provides contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which is a US contact. The local Mental Health Crisis Line is 1-888-737-4668.
After a Suicide: A Practical and Personal Guide for Survivors - Request copies
MHCC Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt - NEW
MHCC Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide loss - NEW
Prevent Suicide - Be a Lifesaver Cards - Print Double-sided and add a Life Saver Candy!
Suicide Prevention Poster Display - Available to borrow or print as a handout
Prevent Suicide - Together We Are Stronger (2 1/2 x 4 ft Vinyl Banner) - Available to borrow
Prevent Suicide - What You Know Could Save A Life (2 1/2 x 4 ft Vinyl Banner) - Available to borrow
Prevent Suicide - Youth (2 1/2 x 4 ft Vinyl Banner) - Available to borrow
Warning Signs Post Cards - Request copies
Support After Suicide Cards - Print Double-sided or request copies
Crisis Line Magnets - Request magnets
Crisis & Help Line & MH&A Services Cards - Request cards ( 2 sided card with crisis & help line information on the front and MH&A Services information on the back.
How to Talk to your Teen about Suicide Rack Cards - Request Copies *NEW RESOURCE
CCSMH Suicide Prevention Among Older Adults - Guide for Family Members
CCSMH Late Life Suicide Prevention Tool Kit
Centre for Suicide Prevention Facts Sheets:
Transgender people and suicide
Sexual minorities and suicide
Older adults and suicide
Online Resources - Self-Help & Informative Websites
Survivor Challenge Suicide Awareness Program
Survivor Challenge Planning Guide - Suicide Awareness Event
Suicide Challenge Banner
Survivor Challenge Organizer Feedback Form
Activity Demo Videos: Breaking the Myths, Survivor Scramble, & Well Stacked
Click here for a full Program Description.
Girls Night Out Suicide Awareness
Girls Night Out Planning Guide - Suicide Awareness Event
Girls Night Out Banner
Girls Night Out Facilitator Feedback Form
Click here for a full Program Description.
Presentation Slides: Best Practices in Suicide Prevention as presented at the Suicide Prevention Partnership Meeting, 2015
Presentation Slides: Suicide Prevention - Across the LIfespan as presented at the Suicide Prevention Partnership Meeting, 2015
Suicide Intervention Training Programs available in the Western Region:
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training www.livingworks.net
Mental Health First Aid www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca
Tattered Teddies www.suicideinfo.ca
Straight Talk www.suicideinfo.ca
The Language of Suicide
We should avoid making statements such as “committed suicide”, “completed suicide” or “successful suicide” when referring to a death by suicide. We should also avoid describing a suicide attempt that does not result in death as a “failure”, “unsuccessful” or incomplete”. It is not helpful, accurate or appropriate to use these statements. Instead choose statements such as death by suicide, died by suicide, suicide or suicide death to more accurately reflect suicide or choose “non-fatal death suicide attempt” or just “suicide attempt” to more accurately reflect an attempt that does not result in death.
For more information, visit www.suicideprevention.ca or contact the Regional Mental Health Promotion Consultant at 634-4927/4171. To borrow or request resources, email: mha@westernhealth.nl.ca.