Health Department encourages residents to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day by attending Annual Walk for Suicide Awareness

Whitby, Ontario, Aug. 27, 2019 – Durham Region Health Department, in partnership with the Durham Region Youth Suicide Prevention Action Group (YSPAG), is inviting residents to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10 and participate in Distress Centre Durham’s 15th Annual Walk for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 7.

 The five-kilometre walk, organized by Distress Centre Durham and supported by the Durham Region YSPAG and the Health Department, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 7 at Cullen Central Park, 300 Taunton Rd. W., Whitby. The walk raises funds through pledges to help support Distress Centre Durham’s suicide prevention and intervention initiatives. Pre-registration is recommended. Visit https://distresscentredurham.com/annual-suicide-awareness-walk/ for more details.

 “World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that the prevention of suicide cannot be accomplished by one person, organization or institution alone; it requires support from the whole community,” said Goran Gagula, a public health nurse with the Health Department and member of the Durham Region YSPAG.

 The Health Department promotes positive mental health by encouraging everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle and spend time with family and friends to help cope with life’s stresses. The Durham Region YSPAG also works collaboratively with community partners from a variety of sectors, focusing on suicide prevention, intervention and recovery initiatives. Despite these resources and supports, there are times when crises happen, or when individuals experience a mental illness that may result in negative impacts on their well-being.

 According to local statistics provided by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), four per cent of Durham Region students in grades 7 to 12, representing approximately 1,000 students, attempted suicide in 2017. The Mental Health Commission of Canada also indicates that 90 per cent of people who die by suicide were experiencing a mental health problem or illness.

 “Any of us can experience a mentally low time when we need help,” said Mr. Gagula. “We all need to know where we can find help if this happens.” The Be Safe mobile app is a resource that is available for download which allows youth and young adults to search for mental health services in Durham Region and can help them create a safety plan.

 Individuals experiencing a crisis can call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room for crisis support. In Durham Region, help is also available by calling one of the 24-hour crisis hot lines listed on durham.ca/mentalhealth, including:

• Distress Centre Durham 1-800-452-0688
• Durham Mental Health Services 1-800-742-1890
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
• Mental Health Helpline 1-866-531-2600
• Ontario Shores Crisis Line 1-800-263-2679

For more information or additional mental health resources, visit durham.ca/mentalhealth or call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729. Suicide prevention resources are also available through the Durham Region YSPAG at http://www.dcypn.ca/index.php/community-initiatives/youth-suicide-prevention-action-group.

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For more information, please contact Health Department.