This weekend marks a somber reminder surrounding mental health and the challenges it presents. Saturday, September 9th is Benefit for Life Day; Sunday, September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month; both days serve as the centrefold of the month to bring attention to suicide prevention and ending the stigma that comes with mental health.
Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, released a statement today regarding the the two days.
“I encourage you to help bring suicide out of the shadows and commit to eliminating the stigma attached to mental illness that prevents people from seeking help.” She says. “If you or someone you know is contemplating taking their own life, reach out to them and help them find a way out.”
On average, 10 Canadians will commit suicide every day. In B.C. alone, over 500 people will take their own lives, about 75% are male. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24.
More information can be found here.
NEW: Statement on World Suicide Prevention Day and Benefit for Life Day. https://t.co/VmhzGGo1st #BC
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) September 9, 2017