6 SIMPLE ACTIONS TO PREVENT SUICIDE

Quebec has specialized suicide prevention resources, where compassionate, attentive, and trained professionals are available anytime, anywhere, to offer support.

These resources can help: :

• People experiencing suicidal thoughts;
• People concerned about a loved one;
• People grieving a loss by suicide.

Promoting these free, always-available resources and informing people about who can use them is a crucial first step in suicide prevention.

What you can do

Display posters in your workplace or community

Provide promotional items

Share the resources in your online environments

Not everyone finds it easy to ask for help. Some people may hesitate due to fear of judgment, a desire for independence, a previous negative experience, or because they’re uncomfortable. However, there are numerous benefits to talking about suicidal thoughts with qualified professionals. Highlighting these benefits is a way to prevent isolation.

What you can do

Share video testimonials from individuals who sought help.

Offer “You’re important to me” clothes pins to your loved ones and encourage them to reach out to specialized resources if needed.

Many myths about suicide circulate in society. Some of these misconceptions can discourage or prevent individuals from seeking help.

Adopting a more accurate understanding of the phenomenon helps reduce the stigma and fosters more compassionate conversations about the issue.

What you can do

Test your knowledge individually or as a group with the “Myth or Reality?” quiz.

Learn to debunk misconceptions about suicide

Suicide is a complex phenomenon. A variety of factors can lead a person to contemplate suicide. From the outside, it may be challenging to understand their state of mind, as what they’re saying can sometimes seem contradictory.

It is crucial to recognize the part of them that wants to stay alive despite their suffering.

What you can do

When someone around you isn’t doing well, whether they’re going through a tough time or grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, it can be challenging to break the silence or find the right words.

However, there are ways to make these conversations easier by keeping a few helpful tips and actions in minde

What you can do

Display these posters to encourage people in your community to speak up when someone isn’t doing well:

What to say to a loved one in distress

What to say to a loved one who’s grieving

Recognizing signs of distress

Preventing suicide also means promoting life. By drawing on your strengths or seeking support, it’s possible to navigate through challenging experiences. Suicide is not inevitable. Nurturing resilience and instilling hope is a way to reignite your reasons for living.

What you can do

Lead an “Essence of Your Life” activity to encourage reflections on what makes life meaningful

Encourage your loved ones to adopt daily self-management strategies to maintain hope