The CAMROSE BOOSTER, September 8, 2020 – Page 16
Suicide prevention week recognized By Lori Larsen
Join the world with bringing awareness to the often sensitive topic of suicide during World Suicide Awareness Day, Sept. 10. While many people do not want to face the thought that someone they know is contemplating ending their life, the first step in helping them get the help and support they need is to recognize warning signs. “There are more among us who have contemplated suicide than we would imagine,” remarked Hospice Society of Camrose and District grief and bereavement and program coordinator Bill Harder. “The person struggling with suicidal ideation is like you. We pass them on the street every day. They are our neighbour, our friend, our family member. They need us to see them, reach out to them, connect with them.” The following information, provided by Alberta Health Services, outlines some of the more common characteristics of someone who may attempt suicide. People are more likely to attempt suicide if they are: male; have attempted suicide before; have had a family member who has ended their life or who attempted suicide; have had or have mental health problems such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety; have been through family violence, including physical or sexual abuse; drink a lot of alcohol or use drugs; or are veterans or members of the armed services. Events that may put people at greater risk for suicide include: changes in life such as the death of a partner or good friend, retirement, divorce, or problems with money; the diagnosis of a serious physical illness, such as cancer or heart disease, or a new physical disability; severe and long-lasting pain; loss of independence or not being able to get around without help and living alone; or not having friends or social contacts. Warning signs
For adults who may be at risk, the following warning signs of suicide may exist. • Planning to or saying they want to hurt or kill themselves or someone else. • Talking, writing, reading, or drawing about death, including writing suicide notes and talking about items that can cause physical harm, such as pills, guns, or knives. • Saying they have no hope, they feel trapped, or there is no point in “going on”. • Buying guns or bullets, stockpiling medicines,
or taking other action to prepare for a suicide attempt. They may have a new interest in guns or other weapons. • Drinking more alcohol or using drugs, including prescription medicines. • No longer wanting to see people and wanting to be alone a lot. • No longer taking care of themselves or following medical advice. • Giving away their things and/or hurrying to complete a will. Warning signs in children, teens and young adults may be different and may include running away from home or doing risky or dangerous things, such as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Even the mere mention of suicide should be taken seriously and if someone you know is threatening suicide, get help immediately. Call 911, a suicide hotline, or the police. Stay with the person, or ask someone you trust to stay with the person, until the crisis has passed. Encourage the person to seek professional help. Do not argue with the person or challenge the person. Always take the threat seriously. Tell the person that you don’t want him or her to die. Talk about the situation as openly as possible. There are steps we can all take to prevent suicide or attempts. Begin by being willing to listen, and help the person find the help they need. Don’t be afraid to ask, “What is the matter?” or bring up the subject of suicide. There is no evidence that talking about suicide leads to suicidal thinking or suicide. Remove all guns from the home, or lock guns and bullets up in different places. Get rid of any prescription and non-prescription medicines that are not being used. Provide the person with the names and contact information of organizations that can provide them with the help an support they need. “Death by suicide is preventable,” noted Harder. “The formula is simple –build connection, create meaning, extend compassion, employ listening. Enacting these, we reach into the dark places of people’s lives with hope and renewal.” Health Link 811 or the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-264 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text and online chat options are available for all Alberta youth through Calgary ConnecTeen, Monday to Friday, from 3 until 10 p.m. and Saturday and
Sunday, from noon until 10 p.m. Visit calgaryconnect een.com or text 587-3332724. The federal First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Clients can also access an online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca. Support is also available for caretakers of people who are at risk for suicide. Caretakers can reach out for help by calling Health Link at 811 or the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877303-2642. “Death by suicide often results in a response of shame and guilt among family, friends, and even professional supports,” said Harder. “These are reduced through vulnerable, open conversation.” The following are a few organizations available in Camrose and area that offer support for people who may be contemplating ending their lives or caregivers. • Hospice Society of Camrose and District 780-608-0636 www.camrosehospice.org
Doris Owen
Michael Andrew Ninian October 3, 1982 ~ August 11, 2020 It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Andrew Ninian announces his sudden passing at the age of 37 in Vancouver, BC. Michael will be lovingly remembered by his father Greg Ninian, sister Kate (Nick) Hendsbee and nephew Owen Hendsbee. Michael will also be fondly remembered by his Grandfather, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many friends. Michael was predeceased by his mother Laura Ninian and sister Heather Ninian. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date.
• Camrose Open Door 780-679-6803 http://www.camrose opendoor.com/ • Camrose Women’s Shelter 780-672-1035 or toll free 1-877-672-1010 camrosewomenshelter. org • Camrose and District Victim Services Unit, Camrose Police Service and Camrose RCMP: CPS general inquiries 780-672-8300 RCMP general inquiries 780-672-3341 http://camrosepolice service.ca/divisions/ victim-services-unit/
February 15, 1936 ~ September 1, 2020 Doris Owen of Edmonton, AB passed away on September 1, 2020 at the age of 84 years. She is survived by her sonin-law Lance Goclon; special friend and caregiver Zenna Swanek; sisters-in-law Marg Grams, Mary Grams and Mary Lyle; extended Goclon and Grant families; numerous nieces and nephews; and her many special friends from Pleasantview, especially Steph and Carol. She was predeceased by her daughter Myrna Goclon; first husband Keith Lyle; second husband Peter Owen; parents Julius and Theophilia Grams; siblings Sam, Elsie, Alma, Wilfred, Eileen, Ernest, Allan, Clara, Norman, Myrtle, Harold and Margaret; and brother-inlaw Reg. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Hay Lakes, with Pastor Donald Bolstad officiating. Cremation has taken place and inurnment has taken place at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Hay Lakes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to STARS, Alberta Cancer Foundation, Edmonton General Hospital Sec 9Y, or to the charity of one’s choice.
In memory of
Nora Holmberg June 12, 1933 ~ August 25, 2011 Forever loved and remembered by Jim and family
• Camrose and District Support Services 780-672-0141 camrosefcss.ca • Covenant Health St. Mary’s Hospital Camrose 780-679-6100 www.covenanthealth.ca/ hospitals-care-centres/ st-marys-hospital/), • Service Option for Seniors SOS 780-672-4131 http://soscamrose.com/ • Camrose Primary Care Network 780-608-4927 camrosepcn.com) • University of Alberta Augustana Campus Counselling Services 780-679-1511 Help is a phone call or an arm’s reach away.
VALOUR QUILT
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Todd Hussey of Quilts of Valour, right, presented Rob Coe (a retired Sgt.) with his special quilt at the Camrose branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Aug. 4. The Legion awarded bursaries from the Poppy Fund to students Emma Hutchinson, Erik Pudlowski, Gracie Yelland, Jenna Warton, Kallista Ashton, Krystal Hurley, Lane Donnelly, Sam Yelland, Timothy Messick and Vanessa Lievers.
