The first few rows of pews at the Shawville United Church were full on Saturday morning for a information session on suicide and depression from local family physician Karen Chambers of Clinique du Lac and Justin Bertrand, who offers career and mental health counselling for youth.
Bertrand said that the session was geared towards raising awareness about how to support people struggling with their mental health, knowledge that can be especially helpful around the holiday season.
“We know the topic of suicide becomes a topic of concern around the holiday season,” Bertrand said. “It’s possible that if someone’s doing less well, you’ll see them at your family Christmas party and the topic will come up.”
Chambers echoed this sentiment in her presentation where she dispelled the myth that talking about suicide and depression can lead someone to taking their own life.
“If there’s one thing I want you to leave with today it’s to feel more comfortable talking to someone that you have concerns about,” Chambers said. “There is a myth that talking to someone about suicide might plant the idea in their mind. In fact, it’s the complete opposite.”
Shawville United Church Reverend Schalk W. Naude said that the statistics in Canada show how serious the issue is.
According to the Government of Canada, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide each year and 200 people attempt suicide each day. He said that it’s important to talk about suicide in case someone is struggling.
“Many people have mental health issues,” Naude said. “It’s very important that we address these issues. We don’t want people coming to you when there is an issue because it might be too late.”
Bertrand’s presentation focused on some of the intervention strategies available for people concerned about somebody who may seem to be struggling with thoughts of suicide.
“What are the basic skills to have when a loved one shares they’re thinking of committing suicide?” Bertrand asked. “Questions to ask are, ‘How often have these thoughts been happening?’ and not, ‘Just get over it.’”
Chambers noted some studies show that certain dietary or supplementary changes can help people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
“I think everybody should be on vitamin D and adequate omega-3 fatty acids,” Chambers said. “But for some high-risk people to also consider low-dose lithium because it really works.”
Bertrand stressed that it’s important to get your information from an expert like a doctor or counselor.
“We live in a rural area where there’s sometimes less resources or less access to accurate information on these topics,” Bertrand said. “The downside of social media is not all the information on suicide is coming from a mental health professional.”
Bertrand and Chambers hosted a first session like this in June and hope to continue running information sessions on suicide and depression every three months. Naude said that it’s important for the community to continue talking about mental health and he hopes to see more people attending future events.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, calling 8-1-1, option 2, will connect you with a mental health professional in Quebec.
