As a follow up to World Suicide Prevention day, here is the address from the Chief of Defence Staff for today... Ladies and Gentlemen, Suicide is an international public health concern – one affecting families around the world, in Canada, and in the Canadian Armed Forces. That’s why I endorse the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention’s theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, “Connecting Canada”. This theme recognizes the importance of our connections (to each other and to our communities), for our well-being. For an institution like ours, one built on camaraderie, our connections provide the very foundation upon which we depend. It’s through these connections that we look out for each other; and it’s through these connections that we can help to support suicide prevention. Combatting suicide is an important element of our mental health programs and initiatives, and it’s important for each of us to understand what this means. As leaders, we have to take the time to learn what resources are available to ourselves, our colleagues, and our families. We need to know what support is available, and how to access it. Visit your local base and wing clinics, reach out to your local medical services personnel, and make sure that if you or someone you know needs help, you know where to find it. The self-stigma regarding mental health must end. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Whether it’s putting our own hand up to say that we need help, or reaching out to our colleagues, family members or friends to make sure that they’re OK, we all have a role to play in encouraging dialogue on this important subject. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have. For those of you currently combating mental illness, don’t avoid or delay accessing support services and treatment. If you have thoughts of suicide, help is immediately available by calling 911. Expert help is also available at your base and wing clinics, via the member assistance program (1-800-268-7708) or at your local emergency room. Reach out to your friends, family members, leaders, padres and medical professionals for support. I encourage all our members to also take the opportunity of World Suicide Prevention Day to connect with your fellow Canadians – talk about and learn more about mental illness and how we can combat the stigma associated with it, and how we can promote suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, take the courageous first step to seek help and start on the path to mental wellness. For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day, please visit the You’re Not Alone, or the International Association for Suicide Prevention website. General Tom Lawson Chief of the Defence Staff
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:49:22 +0000
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