World Suicide Prevention Day recognized in Simcoe County
Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation. Take care when reading.
On Sunday, the Town of Collingwood recognized World Suicide Prevention Day at Sunset Point. Around two dozen individuals gathered to share their stories and support.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Officials with Simcoe Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council said this is a day set aside worldwide to remember those who passed away from suicide and for the families to know they are not alone.
"It's a day of recognizing and acknowledging that we have a problem in our communities, and we want people to be aware," said Bernadette Ramsay-Copeland with Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council." Most people, when a suicide happens, have no idea because it's not a happy topic, and then when it happens, they're like, 'where do I go, what do I do,' and so we've decided we're going to tackle that and we're going to bring awareness into our communities."
During Sunday's event, the group donated a memorial bench at Sunset Point to raise awareness surrounding suicide.
Recent stats show that 12 Canadians die from suicide each day.
"That's 4,200 people a year. That's a lot of people, and then when you add in all the people that are survivors of suicide loss, the people who are working in the field, the community, the ripple effects just go out and out and out," said Ramsay-Copeland.
One individual in attendance was Lee Matthieu. Thirteen years ago, she lost her 51-year-old cousin to suicide.
"My aunt, who has since passed away, was devastated, of course, and dealing with it, and that was two weeks before Christmas, and then a week after New Year's, my best friend's daughter took her life by suicide. As dark as subject as it is, it's nice to see people come together, mourn together, grieve and just hear that they're not alone."
------
If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available.
Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline (1-833-456-4566)
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1 800 463-2338)
Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.