In Canada some 3,900 people die as a result of suicide every year, and there are many more who make the attempt to end their lives. In fact, suicide is one of the top 10 causes of death in Canada, and it is the second leading cause of death next to accidents among youth aged 15 to 24.
According to mental health practitioners, the signs and symptoms of mental illness appear well before a crisis requiring a 911 call, in most cases, however suicide still carries a stigma that prevents people from talking about it.
The second annual Ride for Suicide Prevention aims to help eliminate that stigma and raise awareness at the 撸奶社区Adventure Centre on September 17 at 3 p.m.
鈥淲e will be riding from the 撸奶社区Adventure Centre 鈥� or walking for those who don鈥檛 have bikes 鈥� to Brennan Park Recreation Centre,鈥� said Nicole McRae, youth counselor at Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS). 鈥淏efore the ride, we will have bike decorating and later there will be prizes for the best decorated bikes.鈥�
The event will also feature snacks and refreshments, drummers from 撸奶社区Nation, and information and resources about suicide and suicide prevention.
鈥淲e want to reduce the stigma associated with suicide and get people taking about it,鈥� McRae said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really about awareness building and getting a dialogue going. We have resources that can help people identify the signs and symptoms, and learn how to address someone they鈥檙e concerned about.鈥�
The event will also feature meet and greet opportunities with community partners in the initiative, like the RCMP, B.C. Ambulance Services, 撸奶社区Fire Rescue, and more.
鈥淎t Brenna Park there will also be a tree of life, where people can hang paper leaves with messages of hope,鈥� she said.
The subject of suicide has been featured in the media recently with the high-profile death of comedian and actor Robin Williams, who took his own life last month.
鈥淚t鈥檚 so sad to think that someone so well known and successful would take their own life,鈥� said McRae.
In addition to partnering with the World Health Organization and International Association for Suicide Prevention for World Suicide Prevention Day, SSCS also offers suicide prevention and awareness presentations at schools and for businesses.
To inquire about the Sea to Sky Suicide Awareness and Prevention Group鈥檚 mini-workshops, contact Christine Buttkus at (604) 849-2252 or email [email protected].
