26th Annual Crime Prevention Guide - 26e Guide annuel de la prévention du crime 61 Suicide – Who’s at Risk? Traditionally, suicide has been a concern for our elderly population. Today our youth are at great risk. It is reported as the second leading cause of death among our youth in Canada. In the province of New Brunswick the age group most at risk is middle-age. Therefore anyone can be at risk at any age. No one is immune to thoughts of suicide and research tells us that anyone may have thoughts of suicide at some point in their lifetime regardless of social status, income or education level. What causes thoughts of suicide? For the most part, research explains that thoughts of suicide are generally a result of a feeling of intense pain and a sense of loss. Thoughts of suicide may become an idea for someone who has experienced a traumatic event or for someone who has had a multitude of contributing stressors. The following circumstances are just a few examples which may put someone at higher risk: • Death of a loved one • Unemployment • Relationship breakdown • Financial stress • Isolation • Chronic Illness, Mental illness or Addiction Is suicide a concern in our community? Suicide is a preventable death that impacts communities all over the world. In the province of New Brunswick we lose about an average of a hundred people per year to suicide. How would you know if you or someone you love is at risk for suicide? There are a number of warning signs to watch for. Many of these warning signs may also represent a concern other than suicide and so the only way to really know if suicide is a concern is to explore the warning signs and ask directly about suicide. If someone you love is at risk for suicide you will likely notice some of the following warning signs: • Changes in behavior and emotions • Changes in patterns of eating and sleeping • Changes to personal hygiene • Withdrawal from family and friends • Giving away items of personal value • Expression of symptoms of pain, tiredness and loneliness • Statements like; “ I just can’t take it anymore”, “It’ll all be over soon”, “I just want this to end”, “I’m tired now” What is the role of the police in addressing an issue like suicide? Under the Mental Health Act in the Province of New Brunswick, the police have a duty to protect anyone who is at risk to themselves or the public. An individual may be transported to the hospital under the Mental Health Act and detained against their will for a psychiatric evaluation for a period of up to 72 hours. The police in every region of the province use the Mental Health Act to protect an individual or the public as necessary and to help people access services and supports that may be needed when someone is at risk of harming themselves. Who else in our community is committed to supporting those at risk of suicide and their families? The police in every region of the province work with partners like Horizon and Vitalité to get an assessment when someone is determined to be at risk to themselves and or others. Programs like Mobile Crisis is a valuable program which works closely with the police departments for outreach to individuals in their own homes at times to determine if more formal supports and services are needed at the hospital. The CHIMO helpline is a valuable province-wide support for individuals to call when they need someone to talk to about thoughts of suicide. Capital Region Mental Health & Addictions Association is another partner of the City Police and RCMP. CRMHAA offers Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and Safe Talk, two educational programs of Living Works to address suicide. There are about 12 workshops offered each year to teach people how to intervene and support someone at risk of suicide. They also offer a Suicide Bereavement group for families who have lost a loved one to suicide. How can you support someone who may be at risk? • Ask the person directly if they are considering suicide • Offer support; ask others for help • Be respectful and honest • Listen non-judgmentally • Talk to the person about suicide—it will give him/her a chance to open up and talk about it If you would like to become involved with preventing suicides in your community you could volunteer to take part in a Suicide Prevention Committee. There are Suicide Prevention Committees in most regions of the province. To find out who is the contact in your region contact the Department of Health. Supplied by Brad Bourque, Fredericton Police Force Suicide – Who’s at Risk?
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