Dr. Evan Adams, Chief Medical Officer and Pamela Watson, FNHA Programs Consultant, National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
Reach out to a loved one who may be in crisis. Effective suicide prevention starts with all of us.
Trigger Warning: This article contains content that may trigger unpleasant feelings or thoughts for individuals who have been affected by suicide.
First Nations and Aboriginal peoples who may require emotional support can contact the 24-hour KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717.
In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, 2016, we encourage those impacted by suicide, loved ones of those currently in crisis and all people to stand together to raise awareness of suicide and its prevention.
As a First Nations organization, FNHA champions a holistic view of health and wellness that acknowledges each individual’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. In addition, we know that these needs are intrinsically linked to an individual’s connection with family, land, culture, community and their wider circle of relationships. When it comes to crises in our communities or families, such as suicide and suicide risk, our circles of support and wellness can help provide individuals with hope and a sense of greater connection.
In fact, as friends, relatives or loved ones of those in crisis, we have the greatest impact on preventing suicide. Be an active member of your community, family and friend group to remind others, and yourself, that they are not alone.
When reaching out to a loved one, you may find it useful to look, listen and link:
1. Look. When you think that a loved one may be at risk, focus on him or her and admit that you don’t know what to say. To help determine whether your loved one is at risk, pay close attention to their actions, words and behaviours.
2. Listen. Simply acknowledge your loved one’s pain and listen to what is going on with them. Bring respect, encourage them to talk about their feelings and remember that a non-judgmental approach is best. Sometimes it’s better to listen than try to give advice or problem solve.
If you think someone may be at risk, it’s important to be in close contact and let them know you value and care about their life and presence in your life. Make sure they know you’re present and available for them when they need you.
3. Link. Share what resources are available such as the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717. More resources can be found in the Hope Help and Healing Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Toolkit.
Text your loved one the KUU-US phone number, email them the link to resources and remind them that there are many resources available to them. Finally, even once you’ve shared these resources, be sure to stay in frequent contact. A personal check-in can make all the difference.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, spread the message of "look, listen and link" to help those in need. Together, we can prevent suicide in our communities.
FNHA Circle of Care
Since transfer of health services, FNHA is seeking to be more proactive and holistic with an approach to wellness working in partnership with community. In BC, we heard from communities we serve that we needed to radically shift how we respond to suicide and other mental health events.
FNHA employs a core Mental Wellness team, including Mental Wellness Advisors who work in the regions. In addition, an Aboriginal Suicide and Critical Incident Response Teams (ASCIRT) made up of paid team leaders and trained volunteers supports 81 communities.
In 2015, FNHA launched its Hope, Help and Healing Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Toolkit. Recently, FNHA also partnered with KUU-US Crisis Line to provide culturally safe crisis response to all First Nations and Aboriginal people in BC.
FNHA recently partnered with KUU-US Crisis Line to provide culturally safe crisis response support services for First Nations and Aboriginal people in BC, regardless of where individuals reside in the province. Read the full release here.
KUU-US is a registered non-profit charity that was established in 1993. It is an accredited agency of the American Association of Suicidology.
Hope, Help and Healing Toolkit:
The First Nations Health Authority developed this toolkit for community health leads, Health Directors, community health workers, and others working in an area that touches on preventing and responding to suicide in their communities. It intends to support planning and developing a suicide prevention, intervention and postvention plan at the community, tribal council, Nation-based and sub-regional levels.
Other Resources:
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention:
Canadian Association of Mental Health: