Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention it is everyone’s responsibility to look out for those who may be struggling. Offering a word of support and listen in a non-judgemental way can make a big difference. Eleanor Snitka Outreach Manager for the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Parkland speaks about some of the initiatives being done in Dauphin as part of the day.
“We’re actually not having an event this year, partly because it’s Sunday. But we are having our displays out at different places. We’re encouraging people to light a candle at 8 o’clock at night in memory of someone they may have lost to suicide or in honor of someone who may be struggling. So we are hoping that all across the world at some time that day there will be candles lit for suicide prevention."
Every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide. There is also up to 25 times as many people who make a suicide attempt each year.
