Someone In Your Corner: Johnny's Story
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. On this day, and throughout the month of September, we recognize the tremendous impact suicide has on families and communities. By bringing the conversation to the forefront, we can begin to change the narrative around suicide and work together to learn strategies and identify lifesaving supports and prevention methods.
On average, 12 people in Canada die by suicide each day, totaling approximately 4,500 deaths by suicide each year [i]. Suicide disproportionately affects males, who are three times more likely to die by suicide than females. And, while suicide is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 34, it does not discriminate.
Johnny, a resident of CMHA Kelowna’s supportive housing, knows this well. At 70 years old, he has always been a hard worker, with careers spanning coal mining, security, and custodial work at a local cinema. In 2016, he suffered a serious brain injury, impairing short-term memory function and significantly impacting his mental health. He has been very open in sharing that he’s had thoughts of suicide over the years. Through CMHA Kelowna, Johnny benefits from a dedicated team of support workers and the on-site counsellor, Cassie. Together, they have created an environment of trust and belonging where Johnny can talk about his feelings and learn strategies to manage depression and frustration of not being able to do all of the things he wants to. The support staff also help with reminders so that he doesn’t miss a doctor's appointment, medication, or social game of crib.
“To have someone in your corner that knows you’re not crazy; that other people are going through the same thing, too… when you’re trying to figure yourself out, that’s hard enough,” says Johnny of his experience with supportive housing counselling. “I was falling down, and you picked me up.”
While the statistics are devastating, stories like Johnny’s remind us that here is hope. Suicide is preventable; there is always someone in your corner. CMHA Kelowna offers free virtual counselling services for individuals and couples aged 25 and up. Through Foundry Kelowna, walk-in and virtual counselling services are available for youth ages 12 – 24.
To learn more, visit CMHAKelowna.org, or call (236) 420-2803 to book a counselling appointment.
If you or someone you know is struggling and may be having thoughts of suicide, help is available. The 24-hour Suicide and Mental Health Crisis line is available by call or text:9-8-8
If you are in the midst of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
[i] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Suicide in Canada: Key statistics. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-key-statistics-infographic/ENG.pdf
