Distress should never lead to suicide. As part of Suicide Prevention Week, we want to highlight different ways to prevent suicide and its impacts. By opening up the conversation, we hope to encourage people to overcome taboos and help each other.
La détresse ne devrait jamais mener au suicide. Dans le cadre de la Semaine de prévention du suicide, on souhaite mettre en lumière différentes façons de prévenir cette problématique. En ouvrant la discussion autour du suicide, nous espérons encourager la population à dépasser les tabous et à s’entraider.
A number of signs may indicate that someone is experiencing distress, such as changes in behaviour or mood. Other signs are less visible, such as lack of motivation and a sense of discouragement.
Knowing how to recognize and identify these signs can be very helpful in our relationships.
When someone we know seems to be struggling, we may feel helpless. We may wonder what we should or shouldn’t do to help them. Questions that may spring to mind might resemble : Am I the right person to talk about that? Should I delve deeper? That’s completely normal ! There is no perfect time or perfect words to talk about what’s wrong.
The important part is never remaining alone in your doubts. Dare to talk about it, either with the person directly or with a professional who can offer you support. You can play an important role for those in need, but you are not solely responsible for their well-being.
Certain false beliefs may make us hesitate to talk about suicide with those around us. It’s understandable we all may have heard various theories about it. For example, you might think that talking about suicide could give someone who isn’t doing well the idea of taking their own life.
That’s actually a myth. To find out if someone has suicidal thoughts and to be able to help them, it’s important to ask them directly. By opening up a dialogue, we’re not suggesting the idea, but rather opening a door for the person to express their feelings frankly.
You’ve dared to initiate an important conversation, despite how challenging it can be.
Talking about suicide with someone who is struggling is one of the ways to prevent suicide. By learning about it, like you’re doing now, you’re joining a larger movement people who want to build a Quebec without suicide. You can also get involved in a number of other ways, such as promoting resources, carrying out a project to raise awareness, fundraising and more.
Lastly, remember that suicide prevention services are not only for people who are thinking about suicide, but also for the members of their support network, like you. Don’t keep your concerns to yourself; someone is there to support you in your efforts.
Do you dare delve deeper?
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You are thinking about suicide or worried for someone you care about?
Counsellors are available to help you, everywhere in Quebec, 24/7.
Text
53 53 53
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You are thinking about suicide or worried for someone you care about?
Counsellors are available to help you, everywhere in Quebec, 24/7.
Text
53 53 53
Chat, information and tools
