World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a call to action, a chance for communities to gather, and a great reminder that keeping communication open about suicide can actually save lives.
Coming up on Sept. 6, the Kamloops Suicide Loss Support Group will be holding a march on MacArthur Island Park to help change the narrative and reduce the stigma around the topic of suicide. This team knows firsthand the power of conversations, support, and community surrounding the topic.
When asked what the main message is for this event, Linda Bailey, who lost her son Mason in 2019, stated: “That we, as a community, need to join together to provide support and understanding about suicide and to help spread awareness and prevention.”
For Shawna Salwach, there are many reasons for keeping the conversation open with an event like this one. “One, you are not Alone. Many people struggle; reaching out can make a difference. Two, talking saves lives. Open conversations about mental health and suicide reduces shame and can help encourage people to seek help. Three, small acts matter. Each one of us can contribute to changing narratives by checking in with family, friends, co-workers, listening without judgment, and by learning about and sharing resources available within our community.”
The upcoming event here in Kamloops is looking to be a blend of remembrance, education, and solidarity. “Our event will feature guest speakers with thoughts on how we can all contribute to changing narratives and stigmas, people with lived experiences, activities to honour loved ones, numerous resources and takeaways, and t-shirts for attendees,” Salwach explained.
Attendees will also be able to connect with local organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association, the CRCL Program at Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, and the Foundry/Interior Community Services.
Bailey started organizing remembrance walks in 2021 and 2022 in honour of her son. This year will be Kamloops’ third annual event.
“Many people in our community have been deeply impacted by suicide loss,” Salwach said. “Coming together and shining a light on mental health and suicide gives many people a healing opportunity they may not have otherwise had to share their story or loss, connect with others, and honour loved ones lost.”
The official theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is “Change the Narrative.”
“Learning about suicide can be a helpful way to change the narrative by increasing understanding and debunking myths,” Sanford said. “The International Association for Suicide Prevention has great resources. So does the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Learning more about suicide is an important first step, and then sharing that information with others is important, too.”
When it comes to helping loved ones, Sanford’s advice is simple but profound: “It’s important not to underestimate the power of just being present when someone is struggling or in pain. It’s common for people to withdraw when someone they care about is struggling, either because they don’t know what to say or they are afraid of saying the wrong thing. Most often what people need is simply to know that they are not alone and that others are there for them.”
At the end of the day, the Kamloops World Suicide Prevention Day event isn’t just about remembering the lives lost; it’s about changing how we talk about suicide and support one another.
If you need help or know someone who does, Canada launched the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline in 2023 as a response to the growing need for crisis intervention. Canadians can now call 988 to be connected directly to trained crisis workers.
Locally, the CRCL program, a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA BC) and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, is available from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. This program provides mobile, community-led support for people ages 13 and older who are experiencing a mental health crisis.