Let the Light In On World Suicide Prevention Day

By Jennifer G. McKechnie, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Since 2008, communities around the world have stopped to give focus and attention to an issue that has often been stigmatized.

The reality of suicide is that people often suffer in silence, feeling that there is no alternative, while families of those who have ended their own life have felt unsupported and unseen in their grief. A day like September 10th can be an opportunity to shine a light on a topic that many would prefer to avoid.

Let’s clear up one big misconception

There are a lot of misconceptions around suicide. I have often heard it referred to as a “selfish” act. Let’s be real. When individuals are in a position where they feel their only option is to take their own life, they are not thinking selfishly. They are often in such an overwhelming state of despair, hopelessness, or fear that they see no other option but to bring an end to their suffering. Not to mention, individuals experiencing suicidal ideation report feeling that they are a burden on those around them, and believe that their loved ones would be better off without them in their lives.

Connection, community, and compassion

So, what can we do? In a world that is increasingly insular, where we hole up in our homes, turn on our screens, and shut out connection with the real outside world, here are some ideas:

• Build community: Share a smile or say “hello” to people on your street, in your neighbourhood, or at the local grocery store
• Check in with loved ones: This becomes even more important if you recognize changes in behaviours like withdrawing, changes to mood, changes to appetite, sleep, or attendance at work or school, motivation, giving away personal belongings, or other changes to their normal behaviour
• Be a judgment-free zone (JFZ): When people feel shame, they are less likely to reach out. If we can create spaces, even within our own families or social networks, where we are willing to truly listen without judgment, our children, family, and friends will know we are safe place to communicate. The minute we judge, we shut people down
• Know what’s out there: Having an awareness of local programs in your community or nation-wide services like Canada’s 9-8-8, a suicide crisis hotline, can be helpful for both yourself and for others

It truly can be this simple: I believe that connection, community, understanding and compassion are key to stopping the spread of suicide.

Is MAID considered suicide?

With the increasing acceptance and legalization of medically assisted deaths, some might also question if there’s a difference between suicide and Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID). MAID is a program that is accessible to Canadians 18 years of age and older who have a “grievous and irremediable medical condition,” meet specific medical criteria* and are deemed mentally competent to make decisions about their life.

MAID gives people the chance to approach the end of life with intention — sharing time with loved ones, organizing personal and financial matters, and being in the company of family and friends when it’s time. In short, MAID is not considered suicide.

Life insurers tend to agree. That’s why most policies in Canada come with a suicide provision that limits a payout in cases where the insured person dies by suicide within the first two years of buying coverage. This sort of provision does not exist with claims where MAID was the cause of death. (Further reading: Does MAID affect life insurance?)

*Mental health conditions on their own do not currently meet eligibility for MAID, but this may change in 2027.

Let the light in

September 10th may be World Suicide Prevention Day, but really, we should be having conversations about mental health and well-being all of the time, beginning with our children. The sooner we can educate and support children to understand that mental health is something that can affect each and every one of us, and that there really is no stigma to it, the faster we can make talking about issues like suicide feel less taboo.

Raising kids to feel safe to talk to the adults in their lives (remember, create a “JFZ!” – Judgment Free Zone) means that fewer and fewer will feel isolated, alone, and shameful. When we open the door and let the light in, our whole world can become brighter.

About the Author

Jennifer G. McKechnie is a trauma therapist working with both children and adults. Jennifer utilizes interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, as well as Polyvagal Theory in her work. She values ongoing learning as a key part of maintaining and growing her practice. When away from the office, Jennifer incorporates self-regulation techniques into her day by connecting with nature through running, as well as spending time with her partner and pets.