At Living Bridges Therapy Collective in Kamloops, we believe that compassion, connection, and courage to reach out are the threads that keep our communities strong. Suicide Prevention Month in September serves as a powerful reminder: talking about what’s hard can save lives—and healing begins when we break the silence.
Here, we explore the importance of suicide prevention, help demystify what suicidal thoughts may mean, offer tools to help when things feel overwhelming, and—above all—let you know you’re not alone. And if you need support? We’re here and ready to walk with you.
Why Suicide Prevention Matters—Today
Suicide remains a pressing public health concern across Canada. While the numbers may shift slightly year to year, the impact they represent remains profound.
- In 2022, approximately 4,850 Canadians died by suicide—around 13 lives lost each day.
- Preliminary data for 2023 shows around 4,447 suicide deaths, though these numbers may still be revised.
- A more general estimate holds that, each day across Canada, about 12 people die by suicide.
Regardless of the exact figure, every number reflects a human life—a parent, a child, a friend—and the ripple effect of pain for families, friends, and communities. On average, each suicide deeply affects between 7 and 10 other people.
Importantly, suicidal thoughts are far more common than people may realize: roughly 12% of Canadians have experienced them at some point, and 3.1% have attempted suicide in their lifetime.
Understanding Suicidal Ideation
Let’s be clear: having suicidal thoughts does not mean you are broken—it means you are in pain, and your mind is seeking relief.
Sometimes, simply knowing suicide feels like a “choice” keeps a sense of control alive when everything else feels out of reach. But these thoughts are not actions—they’re signals that something in your life needs care, compassion, and support.
With the right tools, connection, and support—like what we offer at Living Bridges—the intensity of these thoughts can lessen. And life can start to feel possible again.
Coping Tools: Gentle Steps for Hard Moments
If you or someone you love is struggling, here are some tools—even small ones—that can help in hard moments:
- Talk it out: Reach out to a trusted friend, counsellor, or helpline; speaking your feelings aloud can bring relief.
- Ground yourself: Try deep breathing, notice five things you can see/hear/feel, or hold something comforting.
- Write or draw: Expressing thoughts in words or art can help untangle heavy emotions.
- Create a safety plan: List people to call, safe places to go, and strategies you can rely on when crisis hits.
- Limit alcohol & substances: These can magnify impulsivity and hopelessness.
- Focus on small steps: When everything feels heavy, just commit to one gentle action—like getting out of bed, having a shower, or stepping outside.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re in Canada and in crisis, you can now call or text 9-8-8, a national Suicide Crisis Helpline available 24/7 with trained responders.
Outside Canada? Please look up your local crisis line and reach out—support is available wherever you are.
If you’re supporting someone else, your words matter: listen without judgment, acknowledge how they feel, and remind them—they matter.
Reach Out to Living Bridges—We’re Here for You
At Living Bridges Therapy Collective, we offer a safe, caring space for exploration, healing, and hope. If you’re navigating thoughts of suicide, emotional pain, or just feeling crumpled under the weight of life—we are here for you.
- You don’t have to face this alone.
- You deserve to be heard, supported, and held in compassion.
- Your story is not over—and we’re ready to walk beside you.
This September, let’s lean into compassion together. Let’s break the silence, reach out with grace, and remind one another that you are needed, you are loved, and your story isn’t over.