September marks Suicide Prevention Month across the country as Canadians struggle with the effects of COVID-19.

Community Wellness Manager with the Town of Okotoks, Debbie Posey, says it's crucial to start a conversation if there is a concern for someone's well-being.

"Suicide is still a pretty taboo subject. It just takes a little bit of courage to say, "are you thinking about killing yourself?" The person is often so relieved that someone has asked the question, and that opens the door," she said.

Posey says thoughts of suicide can happen to anyone, and statistics show that about 80 per cent of people who die by suicide have indicated warning signs.

"People who would never have considered suicide as an option, they've lost their job, their income is about to completely end, and they're very isolated, and they don't have a lot of support, really it can happen to anyone. It leads down to a really difficult place," said Posey.

She says job loss, extra stress and isolation all put people at more risk of thinking about suicide.

"You are not alone," is the focus phrase for this year's fifth anniversary of Suicide Prevention Month.

Posey says there has been a sharp increase in calls for issues related to stress, financial stress and overall mental health over the past couple of weeks.

Reaching out for help is the first step, according to Posey, and anyone in the Okotoks area needing assistance is asked to call the Family Resource Centre at (403)995-2626, or the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre at (403)995-2600.

If the request is after hours, the Distress Centre can be reached at (403)266-HELP(4357).

 

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