September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day!
Dear colleagues and friends,
Each year on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us of the impact we can have by simply showing up – for ourselves and others. You do not need to be a therapist to make a difference. Checking-in can help someone feel seen, supported and safe enough to seek help. That’s why open, empathetic conversations matter. They reduce stigma, foster connection, and create pathways to care.
Consider taking a moment to learn more through the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention website and make use of their promotional materials in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is once again ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. Changing the narrative is about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.
Please also promote these resources:
- If you or someone else appears to be in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
- If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
- Local crisis centres across Canada: Community Resources | 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline (988.ca). Filter by province to access regional help and assistance.
- Kids Help Phone @ 1-800-668-6868 or text TALK to 686868: Get support with these mental health resources - Kids Help Phone
- Indigenous people across Canada: Hope for Wellness Help Line @ 1-855-242-3310.
- Your departmental Employee Assistance Program which offers confidential services.
- Living with suicide loss and grief: Support for People Living with Loss - Canadian Association For Suicide Prevention
We would also like to take this time to remind you of available resources to support mental health and psychological health and safety in the workplace through the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace - Canada.ca which includes:
- Resources for employees for mental health in the workplace.
- Resources for managers for mental health in the workplace.
- Resources for executives for mental health in the workplace.
You may also wish to support efforts to raise awareness by attending the following event organized by the Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace:
Introduction to Workplace Suicide Prevention
- Event description: “Intro to Workplace Suicide Prevention” is a 90-min session that provides participants with a general understanding of suicide in the community and the workplace. This webinar also provides 4 steps for workplace suicide prevention. In this session, Tara Adams will provide information, tools, resources and share scenarios relevant in the workplace.
- When: Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Registration Deadline: September 11, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Click Here to Register: Introduction to Workplace Suicide Prevention Tickets, Thu, 11 Sep 2025 at 1:30 PM | Eventbrite
Thank you for your ongoing support in promoting mental health and psychological health and safety.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team