In many areas, Canada is believed to be a strong and friendly First World country that appears to have all its ducks in a row. With a fairly independent economy and an education system that ranks 10th globally, our country seems to be a fairly suitable place to live.
Why, then, is it home to the suicide capital of the world?
According to studies by the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately 20 per cent of Canadians experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. About 3,600 people take their own lives in Canada each year. That's about 10 suicides per day.
As a result, this is the second-leading cause of death for Canadians aged 10 to 44. Among suicide and self-inflicted injury rates, Manitoba ranks seventh in Canada, affecting approximately 12.5 per 100,000 people.
With these alarming statistics in mind, it is shocking to discover how much negative stigma still accompanies mental illness. This discrimination creates a huge roadblock for anyone suffering from any form of emotional disorder, and as a result an estimated 49 per cent of those believed to have suffered from depression or anxiety have never sought professional help. Among Canadian youth, the number is even worse; merely one out of every five children who need mental health services receives care.
Although these statistics may seem grim, there are people trying to help.
Manitoba Farm and Rural Support Services provides telephone and online counselling and support for Manitobans. MFRSS is a program run through Klinic Community Health Centre, a recognized crisis centre with the American Association for Suicidology and a member of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. MFRSS provides many services, including a free and confidential stress line open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., for all rural Manitobans. People seeking help are welcomed to call 1-866-367-3276.
MFRSS has also recently integrated several new options into its counselling services.
First, it has a confidential text and email support line. This is a great way for people who may not work regular office hours or feel comfortable with telephone communication to still seek the help they deserve. People wanting assistance are encouraged to email or text help@ruralsupport.ca and a reply should be given within 24 hours during regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
Second, MFRSS now offers a live online chat line where the public is able to connect privately with a counsellor, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The chat support line is available to people of any age or background in Manitoba who are going through a difficult time or need a safe, judgment-free place to talk. The program can be accessed at ruralsupport.ca.
It is important to note that all MFRSS staff members are professional counsellors and certified crisis workers with the American Association for Suicidology. MFRSS also offers handouts and valuable information for people suffering from a mental illness.
This is only one of the numerous organizations doing their best to reach out and support those who need it.
Just to name a few, there is also Kids Help Phone, a Canadian organization that offers 24-hour support to children and adolescents who need someone to talk to. This service is also confidential and can be accessed by calling 1-800-668-6868.
Additionally, the Manitoba Suicide Line offers 24-hour crisis line and telephone support for people thinking about suicide or coping with a suicide loss. It also offers information about seeing the signs of suicide and survivor stories. The Manitoba Suicide Line can be contacted by calling 1-877-435-7170 or online at reasontolive.ca.
There are services available for everyone to help them deal with whatever is happening in their life. The important part is knowing how to find them.
Mental health and suicide affect us all and it is time for people to become comfortable discussing it. In the end, mental health doesn't discriminate, so why should we?
» Rikki Bergen is a Grade 12 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.