Why is it important to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at school?
Many students in Ontario report struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health distress:
- 18% of grade 7-12 students report having seriously contemplated suicide in the past year.
- 20% of students report harming themselves on purpose in the past year.
- 26% of students indicate a serious level of psychological distress.
- 42% of students report that in the last year, there was a time that they wanted to talk to someone about their mental health problem and they did not know where to turn. (Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey)
How can my school get involved in Suicide Prevention Month?
- Promote World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th.
This day is a chance for everyone to join in promoting awareness about suicide: those impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, family and friends, schools, organizations, and community members.
- Form a group and join the Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk in Windsor-Essex on September 24th, 2023
Use digital and print materials from the Suicide Awareness Month Toolkit to promote the walk on September 24, and discussion about suicide prevention. For more ways to get involved this month, see the 2023 Calendar of Events.
Where to go for help if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis
- Talk Suicide Canada: 24/7 telephone crisis line 1-833-456-4566, or text 45645 (4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. daily).
- Kids Help Phone Crisis Text Line: 24/7 support. Text ‘HOME’ to 686868 to text with a trained real-life Crisis Responder.
- Youth Space: Youth text service in Ontario (6 p.m. and 12 a.m. daily).
- Windsor-Essex Community Crisis Centre: 24-Hour Crisis Phone Line 519-973-4435 and walk-in crisis support for individuals ages 16+.
Find more information and supports on suicide prevention and awareness for youth