World Mental Health Day • OCTOBER 10th
World Mental Health Day
I have been avoiding writing this post. It is near and dear to my heart, but I never seemed to be able to get a handle on starting. Although I find it discouraging to stare a the blinking cursor, that was not the cause of my procrastination. I hesitated because the focus of World Mental Health Day 2019 is on suicide prevention. Mental health and suicide prevention is really important to talk about and yet it is SO hard to get a conversation going. That is why it is SO important to speak up.
I know suicide has touched many lives. Our family story is no different than many other stories. We have lost a friend and coworker to suicide. Another coworker lost a brother to suicide. Tragic losses and profound sadness for all the friends and families of these young men. Then suicide hit harder and closer to home when in April of 2018 a friend’s daughter took her life at the age of 12. She was close with my daughters. As hard as it is for adults to understand a loss of this magnitude, I think it is debilitating for children. My children were deeply affected by this loss. It has changed them to the core, as it has changed the little girl’s family forever.
Depression doesn’t always lead to suicide. There is hope. Although it cant be fixed or stopped, mental health can improve.
If you think you or someone you know may be depressed PLEASE seek additional advice from a doctor. Seek out counsel and proper treatment. You may have to advocate for a loved one because the depression could hinder their attempts to advocate for themselves. With the right supports in place the outcome can look hopeful. 🧡🦊🌱🍀
RESOURCES
In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
Kids Help Phone +1 800-668-6868
Suicide Prevention Lines
(Canada) Crisis Services Canada – Suicide Prevention and Support – 24/7 Hours
1-833-456-4566
Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit – Mon - Fri 4 pm - 8 am, Sat - Sun 24 hours
306-764-1011
Regina Mobile Crisis Services – Suicide Line - 24/7 Hours
306-525-5333
Saskatoon Mobile Crisis – 24/7 Hours
306-933-6200
Talk to a mental health professional
Kayla Huszar Kayla Huszar Creative Services
Therapists in Regina, Saskatchewan