It’s that time of the year again when winter blues sets in… but for some people, the struggle with mental health can be a lot more complex and challenging than the winter blues we generally experience.
That’s why Lakes District News did a story on suicide prevention this week. Although more than 50 research studies worldwide have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of suicide in vulnerable individuals, talking about suicide carefully - and focusing on prevention and treatment - can change public misperceptions and correct myths.
More importantly, appropriate coverage can encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk to seek help. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, up to 90 per cent of people who take their own lives have depression, substance use problems or another mental illness - whether diagnosed or not - at the time of their death.
Therefore we all play an important role in helping prevent suicide, and we do that by observing our friends, family and loved ones - knowing what the warning signs are and what to do if we recognize them. If you have trouble remembering what the warning signs are, think of the phrase “IS PATH WARM.”
I—Ideation: thinking about suicide; S—Substance use: problems with drugs or alcohol.
P—Purposelessness: feeling like there is no purpose in life or reason for living; A—Anxiety: feeling intense anxiety or feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope; T—Trapped: feeling trapped or feeling like there is no way out of a situation; H—Hopelessness or Helplessness: feeling no hope for the future, feeling like things will never get better.
W—Withdrawal: avoiding family, friends, or activities; A—Anger: feeling unreasonable anger; R—Recklessness: engaging in risky or harmful activities normally avoided; M—Mood change: a significant change in mood.
The Canadian Mental Health Association suggests some strategies that can help reduce the risk of suicide. Strategies include building social support networks such as family, friends, a peer support or support group, or connections with a cultural or faith community.
It’s also important to learn good coping skills to deal with problems. These might include meditation, sports or simply talking to a trusted friend.
In addition, it’s important to seek treatment, care and support for mental health concerns and build a good relationship with a doctor or other health professionals. And there is plenty of help available in the Lakes District. Carrier Sekani Family Services has one child and youth mental health clinician who serves Burns Lake as well as the Southside. They also have community mental health workers who provide services to the Burns Lake Band and off reserve Wet’suwet’en clients. In addition, their addictions recovery program is a mobile team - made up of three addictions workers and one clinician - that attends communities by request to deliver education.
The Lakes District Community Services Society offers mental health counselling to children and youth in the area. Lakes District residents can also schedule appointments with two mental health clinicians at the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre.
The Canadian Mental Health Association also suggests people to have a safety plan, which is a list of personal strategies to use if you think you are at risk of hurting or ending your life. Your plan may include activities that calm you or take your mind off your thoughts; your own reasons for living; key people to call if you’re worried about your safety; phone numbers for local crisis or suicide prevention help lines and a list of safe places to go if you don’t feel safe at home.