Suicide is a complex issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2021, more than 700,000 people (about half the population of Hawaii) die by suicide each year. As of 2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada found that every year, approximately 4,500 Canadians die by suicide. For every suicide, there are many more people who have attempted it. The impact of these events on families, friends, and communities is profound and lasting.  

Suicide is complex because humans are complex. There is never any one reason a person will think about suicide, and each person who considers suicide does so for a unique reason to them. They may also consider it due to an interplay of factors, including psychological, social, biological, and environmental influences. Some of the reasons someone may consider suicide are as follows:  

• Stress: this could include relationship issues, financial stress, or academic and work pressure. 
• Mental Health Disorders: disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder are all common disorders that may contribute to suicide
• Chronic Pain/Illness: chronic pain, terminal illnesses, and severe physical disabilities can lead to feelings of helplessness and a desire to end the suffering and pain. 
• Substance Use: substance use can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, and exacerbate feelings of depression and hopelessness. 
• Trauma and Abuse: experiences of abuse can have long-lasting effects on mental health and contribute to thoughts of suicide. Other traumatic events include a traumatic loss, accidents or disasters, war, and conflict, bullying and harassment, racism, or exposure to violence. 
• Social Isolation and Loneliness: feeling disconnected from others and lacking a supportive social network can increase the risk for suicide. 
• Genetic and Biological Factors: people with a family history of suicide or mental illness can increase the risk of suicide and imbalances of neurotransmitters have been linked to suicide behavior. 
• Cultural and Societal Factors: cultural attitude that stigmatizes mental illness and seeking help can prevent individuals from accessing support they need. Additionally, pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. 

If we want to be more suicide aware, it is important to learn what we might see, hear, or notice about someone who is having thoughts of suicide. People who are considering suicide often show warning signs and any significant change in behavior can be a warning sign for suicide. Some of the warning signs could be: 

• Withdrawal from friends and family 

• Making final arrangements and selling belongings  

• Talking about death, dying, or suicide 

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions 

• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain 

• Feeling like a burden to others 

• Reckless behavior such as drinking and driving  

• Acting impulsively when making decisions  

• Change in substance use  

• Saying “things won’t change” or “I feel trapped” 

• Feeling excessive guilt or shame  

• Social isolation 

We can be more alert to the things we see, hear, and notice when we are sensitive to the people around us, and when we appreciate that anyone can have thoughts of suicide.  

There are many myths surrounding suicide due to several reasons, including stigma, shame, lack of education, or fear of suicide. These myths can be harmful, often preventing people from seeking the help they need or offering the support required by those at risk. Some common myths are highlighted below: 

• Myth: people who talk about suicide are just seeking attention and will not really do it. 
  • Fact: A major warning sign for suicide is talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself. Everyone who talks about suicide needs to be taken seriously. 
• Myth: talking about suicide encourages it. 
  • Fact: Talking to someone considering suicide reduces the risk of attempting suicide as it takes the burden off the person in crisis. A caring conversation can often de-escalate a suicide crisis by providing an opportunity to talk, diminishing the likelihood that the person will carry through with it.  
• Myth: only people with mental health disorders think about suicide. 
  • Fact: While mental health disorders are common risk factors, not everyone who attempts or dies by suicide has a mental health disorder. Life stressors and traumatic events can also lead to suicide thoughts and behaviors in the absence of mental illness. 

As mentioned earlier, anyone can have thoughts of suicide, however, some groups of people, ‘priority populations,’ experience suicide more. Now just because someone is a part of a priority population does not mean that they themselves carry increased suicide risk. However, priority populations as groups experience higher rates of suicide. It is important to understand the unique risk factors facing these groups so that prevention efforts can be tailored in meaningful ways. Additionally, people sometimes belong to more than one of these groups. This is called intersectionality. 

Priority populations include:

• Indigenous Peoples  
• Newcomers and racialized populations  
• 2SLGBTQIA+ community
• Middle-aged men 
• The elderly 

Certain factors or circumstances can guard a person against thinking about suicide and increase their resilience. For each factor, a prevention strategy is listed:  

• Effective coping and problem-solving skills  
  • Strategy: implement workshops and programs that teach coping mechanisms, stress management, and problem-solving skills.  
• Reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets) 
  • Strategy: encouraging individuals to focus on their personal reasons for living. Mental health professionals can use therapeutic techniques to help individuals identify and strengthen these connections, making them a focal point in their recovery. 
• Strong sense of cultural identity  
  • Strategy: community programs and organizations can celebrate a variety of cultures, particularly cultures of people from minority groups that may not feel recognized. 
• Support from partners, friends, and family  
  • Strategy: Offering peer support groups, opportunities for socializing, and promoting open and non-judgmental communication.
• Feeling connected to others  
  • Strategy: organizing community events, support groups and social activities to bring people together. Encouraging individuals to participate in social interactions. 
• Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions 
  • Strategy: these institutions can create inclusive environments where individuals feel safe and included. For example, a 2SLGBTQ+ Centre or an interfaith room for people to observe prayer. 
• Availability of consistent and high quality physical and mental healthcare  
  • Strategy: making therapy, counselling, and crisis intervention services readily available, accessible, and affordable, especially in underserved areas, such as rural areas.  
• Reduced access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk  
  • Implementing policies and practices that limit access to things that people use to kill themselves such as guns and certain medications.

Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. For some this may be reaching out and supporting someone who may need help, learning about the reasons for suicide and how to prevent them, raising awareness of local resources and support systems, or participating in open discussions on mental health in one’s home, school, and place of work.  

No matter how you plan to recognize this important day, we encourage you to be a part of the conversation and share how you are joining this collective response. You can play a big part in helping us spread messages of hope to prevent suicide! One way to help raise awareness about this important issue is using the following hashtags in your social media posts: 

• #ShareHope #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #WSPD2022 #BeTheLight 

For staff and faculty check out safeTALK offerings on HRIS in your HUB.   

For students check out training sessions provided by the following organizations:  

• Klinic MB 

• Living Works 

If you yourself have been struggling with thoughts of suicide or have been affected by the loss of someone to suicide, please reach out for support or check out the toolkits.

• Toolkit for people who have been impacted by suicide loss 

• Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt

Upcoming Events

Join the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network for their “Forest of Hope” event on September 10^th.  

Find out more about the Forest Of Hope event here.

And be sure to check out Campus Well-Being’s Mental Illness Awareness Week Film and Discussion event happening on October 9th, 2024, at NDC. Register here!

suicideprevention.ca

nimh.nih.gov

mentalhealthcommission.ca

asfp.org

cdc.gov

suicidology.org

Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm (North Gym) – Starting September 3

Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm (North Gym) – Starting September 5

Mondays 4:00-5:30pm (North Gym) – Starting September 9

Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm (North Gym) – Starting September 10

Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm (North Gym) – Starting September 12

Join Coach Brinold to build strength, flexibility, and training knowledge in this self-paced class that focuses on movement quality over quantity. All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

Classes start September 16

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout. Coach MG welcomes all fitness levels, providing exercise progressions and modifications to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

Classes start September 17

Take some time to unwind and reconnect with your body with yoga instructor Jaimie Bristow. A class for all levels focusing on slow rhythmic movements and long gentle stretching to explore opening all areas of the body. Class begins and ends with varying forms of pranayama (breathwork), and/or mindfulness based stress reduction techniques.

Suitable for all levels, mats are provided for in-person sessions.

• Wednesdays In-Person – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, Immersion Room (GM33), near North Gym.

• Wednesdays Virtual and Recording Access – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm *Access to recording for one week post-class.

Join Chaley Martens after school or work for a 45-minute hatha yoga class to unwind from your day. This class will build on mindful movement and breathing to gently challenge the mind and body, but leave you feeling relaxed. No experience is necessary. Suitable for all levels and mats are provided. Registration required.

REGISTER – Exchange District Campus, P107: Thursdays 4:15pm to 5pm

A dynamic class adapted for all levels that builds heat moving through postures with more continuous movement. Poses are linked together with the breath in a flowing sequence. Various ideas and themes are explored with instructor Jaimie Bristow.

REGISTER – Virtual: Fridays 12:15 to 12:45pm

Note: Links for virtual sessions will be emailed to registrants separately. Friday classes are not recorded.

Borrow a bike to go for lunch, run an errand or cruise around the area. Our four bikes include Moose and Bear (large), Eagle (medium) and Goose (small).  Come to the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours, fill out a waiver and pick your bike – daytime borrowing only by students and staff.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory. Bring your own or borrow one from us; bike locks are available too. Each user receiving a bike will be responsible for:

• Keeping it secure
• Riding safely and lawfully
• Returning it in a timely manner

Take a break to create! Bring your lunch, some friends and drop by Campus Well-Being’s Make and Take Crafting Lunch Break. Activities and supplies provided include – bookmark, bracelet and button making, rock painting, colouring and drawing, knitting and crocheting. We’ll also have some board games available.

Or bring your own project to work on while connecting and socializing with others.

Open from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. You can register for a calendar reminder or drop in!

• Exchange District Campus: Sept 24, 2024 in P107 – REGISTER
• Notre Dame Campus: Oct 7, 2024 in Prairie Lights – REGISTER

Dr. Meghan Chatwin, Lifestyle Medicine Physician, shares six pillars of health to help students and staff cope with busy schedules and College life. Learn how nutrition, physical activity, stress management, restorative sleep, purpose, social connection and minimizing risky substances can lead to a healthy and happy life.

REGISTER – In-Person and Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – 12:00 to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP – G139, near North Gym.

Unable to attend at that time? Register for the virtual option to receive recording after the session.

Treat yourself to two hours of creative fun making your own vision board to set you up for the new academic year with a clear vision of your commitments to yourself.

A vision board is a visualization tool which refers to a board of any sort used to build a collage of words and pictures that represent your goals and dreams.

Your vision board becomes a powerful reminder throughout the year. Conversation and community will arise naturally as we each engage in our own creative work.

REGISTER – In-Person Session at the Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, Sept 26, 2024 from 4pm to 6pm in Prairie Lights.

All materials supplied. Bring any personalized pictures or graphics with you to include if wanted.

Come and spend time with our furry friends from St. John Ambulance! Take some time during the lunch hour to relax and de-stress and spend time with some therapy dogs.

EDC – September 18th, 2024
Location & Time: Atrium (Roblin Centre) – 11:30am to 1:00pm

Portage La Prairie – September 25th, 2024
Location & Time: Student Lounge – 11:30am to 1:00pm

NDC – September 26th, 2024
Location & Time: Campus Store Hallway – 11:30am to 1:00pm

As per your request, we have made our Pop-Up Cat Café a regular event!

Join Ms. J. La’s Fur Babies Cat Café & Adoption Centre. Sign up now as spots fill up fast! If you would like, you are welcome to bring cat food donations. 

Date: September 25th, 2024
Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm (sign up here for a 30-minute slot) 
Location: NDC – F304

Date: September 27th, 2024
Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm (sign up here for a 30-minute slot) 
Location: EDC – P107

No walk-in availability.

By Thursday each week, select the teams you think will win for the upcoming Canadian Football League’s weekend games and submit them to be entered for a grand prize. This contest starts the week of September 9, 2024 and will be running up to and including the Grey Cup. Connect with other football fans in a TEAMS online chat group.

Weekly team picks can be submitted by email to Kristi Dorian, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator. Game on!

Play board games and giant games like Jenga, Chess or Connect 4, join some peers in a friendly cornhole or card game, take some time to socialize while working on a puzzle or colouring.

DROP-IN: Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, September 10, 2023 – 10am to 2pm. Library Hallway.

DROP-IN – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, October 1, 2023 – 10am to 2pm. Dining Hall near Tim Hortons in The Roblin Centre.

Bring yourself, your friends or family for an “all welcome” board game night. Partnered with the Student Association.

Contact Kristi if you’d like to reserve a specific game for your group of friends, classmates or staff team.

DROP-IN – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, Sept 17, 2024, 4 to 7pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

DROP-IN – Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, Sept 19, 2024, 4 to 7pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Like exercising a muscle, practicing mindfulness can help us to respond more calmly and thoughtfully to life’s ups and downs, and we can get better at it through meditation.

Join Makeda for this three-part beginner’s meditation series to learn: 

• How to develop a lasting meditation practice that strengthens your mindfulness muscle
• A variety of meditation techniques you can use to create your own personalized practice
• Simple strategies to overcome common obstacles and make meditation a sustainable habit

Program beings Thursday, September 19th from 12:00pm CST. Register here!

We breathe without thinking, but can we breathe with awareness? 

Being in tune with our breathing can make us more present, and aware of what’s going on inside the mind/body.

Join Ross each Friday to explore mindful breathing practices that enhance your well-being. Learn to be present, connect with your inner world, and find greater calm.  

Fridays at 11:00am CST. Register here!

Life has its ups and downs, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed by emotions. 

Join Dr. Ellen to explore how to navigate your emotions effectively, let go of negativity, and cultivate a lasting sense of joy. Discover powerful tools to manage your emotional landscape and choose happiness.

Wednesday at 12:00pm CST. Register here!

Did you know that by doing Tai Chi regularly, we rewrite the ‘software’ in our minds?

Tai Chi offers more than graceful movements. This practice can help rewrite the way you respond to stress, promoting emotional stability and inner peace. Join Peter and discover the mind-body benefits of Tai Chi!

Tuesdays at 4:30pm CST. Register here!

Emotions aren’t good or bad; they are personal messages. How we receive them is part of our Emotional Intelligence.

Join Jackie to explore the benefits of developing your EQ and unlock its power in your life. Learn what holds people back and cultivate practical strategies to build your EQ for greater self-awareness and stronger relationships.

Mondays 11:30am CST in French and 12:00pm CST in English.

Organization	Services
Coordinated Access System (Naatamooskakowin)	Resource for people who experience homelessness and face barriers to finding a place.
Crisis Response Centre	Mental health service that offers a unique combination of walk–in, outreach and scheduled crisis services for adults.
Crisis Stabilization Unit	Short-term, community-based supportive care and treatment for individuals in psychiatric or psychosocial crisis who may be at risk of hospitalization.
Hope for Wellness Help Line	1-855-242-3310 Immediate, 24/7 crisis support to all Indigenous people across Canada.
Kids Help Phone	24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support to help all young people
Manitoba Assocation of Women’s Shelters	Collective association of 11 interpersonal and family violence shelters.
Manitoba Crisis, Support & Distress Lines	24/7 confidential support lines for those struggling or in a crisis.
Manitoba Domestic Violence Information/Crisis Line	1-877-977-0007 Information line for anyone experiencing domestic violence or if you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line	1-888-292-7565 24/7 line. Call if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault.
Willow Place Crisis Line	Family violence prevention support line.

Organization	Services
Alneau Renewal Centre	204-987-7090 – Provide bilingual therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Sliding scale options.
Aurora Family Therapy Centre	204-786-9251 – Individual, family, relationship and group therapy. Sliding scale options.
Family Dynamics	204-947-1401 – Individual, family, and group therapy. Sliding scale options.
Heartwood Healing Centre	204-783-5460 – Free individual short-term or long-term counselling for individuals who have experienced childhood sexual assault.
Jewish Child and Family Services	204-477-7430 – Individual, couple and family therapy. Therapeutic support groups. Sliding scale options.
Klinic Community Health Counselling	204-784-4059 – Individual, couple, family and group therapy to adults wanting to address the impact of traumatic experiences.
Rainbow Resource Centre	204-474-0212 Support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the form of counselling, education, and programming.
Thrive Resource Centre	204-772-9091 – Free counselling for individuals with low-income.
Women’s Health Clinic Counselling	204-947-2422 ext. 204 – Free appointment-based counselling for girls, women, Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people.

We encourage you to complete an intake as wait times can vary from a few weeks to a few months.

Organization	Services
Addiction Foundation Manitoba	204-981-6691 – Range of services and supports relating to alcohol, substance use, and problem gambling. In house and community-based services.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba	204-925-0600 – Offers self-help for all Manitobans affected by anxiety disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Programs and ongoing peer support groups.
BIPOC Mental Health Worker List	List of Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color Identifying Counsellors, Therapists, and Mental Health workers.
Bounce Back	Free mental health coaching program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.
Bruce Oake Recovery Centre	1-866-612-6253 – 50-bed, nonprofit residential treatment program that offers long-term live-in and community-based services to individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorder.
Canadian Mental Health Association Resource Guide	204-775-6442 – CMHA database for a variety of resources. You can call or browse online.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Mindfulness (CBTm)	Free education program designed to help build your skill set and improve your mental wellness.
Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre	Centre that embraces Indigenous traditional values and cultures in order to heal the generational scars of colonialism and residential schools.
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre	204-925-0300 – Offers a variety of programs including Community Care, Youth Development, Indigenous Knowledge, and Caring for our Relatives.
Mood Disorder Assocation of Manitoba	1-800-263-1460 – Nonprofit, self-help organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy for people living with mental illness.
Peer Connections Manitoba	1-800-263-5545 – Formerly known as the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. A charitable non-profit organization that connects individuals facing similar experiences and challenges, through programs, workshops, and support groups.
Sara Riel	1-833-718-4678 – Community-based supports for persons who experience mental illness or mental health challenges.
YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg	Offers an adult mental health Learning and Leisure program for adults (18+) who live with mental illness, are now in recovery and are working toward personal mental health goals.

Organization	Services
Family Doctor Finder	1-866-690-8260 – helps to connect Manitobans to a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner).
Klinic Community Health	204-784-4090 – Provides a full range of health-related services from medical care to counselling and education.
Mount Carmel – Community Health	204-582-2311 – Access to a well-rounded range of services to help prevent, diagnose, and treat the health concerns.
Nine Circles Community Health Centre	1-888-315-9257 – Provides supportive and non-judgmental care and treatment. Team includes family physicians, primary care nurses and more.
NorWest Co-op Community Health	204-938-5900 – Provides individual and family medical care, health promotion, client education, disease prevention, and more.
Our Own Health Centre	204-691-1600 – A medical clinic which specializes in care for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Sexual Education Resource Centre	204-982-7800 – A community-based, non-profit, pro-choice organization dedicated to promoting sexual health through education.
Trans Health Clinic	Provides transitioning care to transgender and gender diverse individuals 16 years of age and older.
Walk-in Connected Care	1-888-315-9257 – Clinic available to the general public on a walk-in basis to meet unexpected health care needs during times when it is difficult to see your regular care provider.
Women’s Health Clinic	1-866-947-1517 – An inclusive, feminist community health clinic that offers client-centered support through services and education.
WRHA – Indigenous Spiritual & Cultural Care Provider	1-877-940-8880 – A service that gives Indigenous and non-Indigenous people the opportunity to seek healing using a traditional healing approach. The clinic is located at Health Sciences Centre and is open two days per month.