On September 10, we're being encouraged to pause, take a moment, and remember those who have lost their lives due to suicide.
It's World Suicide Prevention Day, and the goal is to raise awareness that help is always available.
Sarnia Lambton Suicide Prevention Committee spokesperson Liz Page said this year's theme is "Creating Hope Through Action".
"Locally, we're just looking to continue the conversation that we've been trying to build on each year," said Page. "As usual, we always try and encourage people to tie a yellow ribbon on their properties to further raise awareness and create that conversation."
Page said suicide is preventable, and impacts all age groups.
"I know that sometimes we get focused on youth suicide prevention, however, it really does impact everyone through all stages of life," she said. "Middle aged men, first responders, and even our geriatric population are at very high risk. We've really been trying to convey that message that we want to really make that conversation about everyone."
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people.
Men between 40 and 50 years of age have the highest overall rate of suicide among age groups.
Page said it's difficult to say how prevalent suicide is in Sarnia-Lambton, but said even just one is too many.
"We really struggle with stats locally because lots of times it goes underreported or folks have stigma surrounding it so it prevents them from sharing honestly around cause of death. Locally, we don't have any hard data to compare through the years, but we know it continues to be a very pressing and relevant issue. We just have to continue to keep the conversation going."
The Public Health Agency of Canada said every year, approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide, which is equivalent to 12 people dying by suicide every day.
The agency said every day, more than 200 people in Canada attempt suicide, and for every death by suicide, at least seven to 10 survivors are significantly affected by the loss.
There's an event taking place at the Lambton Mall on September 10 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
It will feature representatives from local supports such as; TFT Talk for Tamara, the Mike Harvey Foundation, Spoken Hope YWHO, Project Mental Wellness.
There will also be some interactive and family-friendly activities.
For more information, and a list of community resources, visit www.sarnialambtonsuicideprevention.com.
