Today we mark International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day in support of all who have lost loved ones to suicide. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) maintains its commitment to suicide prevention in Canada and has made this work a priority.
Every year, nearly 4,000 people die by suicide in Canada – that is a terrible loss for families and friends, but also to our society as a whole. For every death by suicide, at least six to ten individuals are profoundly impacted.
This week, in partnership with the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), the MHCC presented a successful three-day virtual conference to promote mental health and to discuss suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
I know that over the next few days many community-based organizations will come together to assist survivors of suicide loss with the healing process. It is important to share stories, to support each other and ensure that those impacted by suicide are secure in the knowledge that they are not alone.
Along with the survivors of suicide loss, all Canadians live in the hope that the number of suicides will be reduced in the very near future. We encourage people to share their stories of suicide loss and work to end the stigma surrounding this national and personal tragedy.
Everyone has a role in preventing suicide.
Louise Bradley,
President and CEO,
Mental Health Commission of Canada
