Suicide is the act of causing one’s own death intentionally and is often related to complex mental health issues, stressors, and substance abuse. Unfortunately, suicide is one of the top ten leading causes of death in Canada and claims thousands of lives every year. Regardless of one’s age or gender, people who are struggling and experience loss of hope in their lives often resort to suicide. Fortunately, suicide can be prevented.
There are many signs and symptoms of people who are at risk for suicide, including:
Increased use of substance abuse
Sudden changes in mood and behaviour
Expressing the desire to die or end one’s life
Displaying hopelessness or helplessness
Preparing for their death (for example giving away their belongings, writing a will, writing letters to loved ones)
Change in regular behaviour such as decreased appetite or a change in sleeping patterns
It can be challenging to find the relationship between some of these warning signs and suicide. In this article, we will highlight substance abuse as a dimension of suicide.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance use is on a spectrum from helpful to harmful, and when the use of substances like alcohol and drugs becomes harmful it is considered abuse. The addictive nature of substances can be a contributing factor to substance abuse, making it difficult for someone to quit. It is important to note that substance use can have an impact on mental health and vice versa.
Understanding the Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Suicide
When discussing suicide, it is important to note that the misuse of drugs and alcohol is a prominent risk factor for suicide, especially among youth. It is difficult to understand the relationship between addictions, overdose, substance abuse, and suicide; however, there are many theories as to why this relationship exists.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there is an increased suicide risk for people with prevalent mental illnesses who have substance abuse disorders as substances can negatively affect one's mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. There is an interconnected relationship between mental health issues such as depression, addiction to substances, and suicide. One reason for this is that people with depression may turn to substances like drugs and alcohol to numb their pain; however, sometimes the use of these substances increases the severity of depressive and suicidal thoughts. Substance misuse can severely impact one’s judgement which can lead to suicidal attempts.
Reducing the Risk of Suicide
While suicide is a preventable cause of death, it is important to note that it cannot be prevented in all cases. Some strategies that can be applied to reducing the risk of suicide include:
Seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one with substance abuse
Building strong support networks such as family, friends, and peer, support groups
Seeking care for mental health concerns, such as an increase in suicidal thoughts
Having a sense of responsibility
Developing positive coping skills
Helpful Resources
If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek immediate help. There are many helpful resources to understanding suicide prevention, and support tools:
We Help First: Preventing Suicide
CAMH: Suicide Prevention
CAMH 24 Hour Crisis Line
Kids Help Phone
We Help First: Understanding Substance Abuse
National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention
Peer Support Canada
Windsor Crisis Centre
Published Monday, January 18, 2021, 7:32PM EST
The Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex Branch in Windsor, Ont. on Friday, May 29, 2020 (Michelle Maluske/CTV Windsor)
WINDSOR, ONT. -- The Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex chapter launched its Million Dollar fundraising campaign Monday to support an expected increased need for mental health services.
Communications and mental health promotion director Kim Willis said recent research is pointing to concerns for those who are vulnerable and marginalized, as well as those who may not have considered themselves at risk for anxiety, depression or addictions.
“With this current lockdown, the pressures on workers of all kinds - first responders, health care manufacturing, schools, and entrepreneurs to name a few are daunting. So many people are feeling the strain,” she said in a CMHA news release. “As the lead provider of community mental health services, as well as mental health promotion, we know we can’t take our foot off the gas so to speak.
The Million Dollar campaign has launched in line with the branch’s 50th anniversary in the community. The campaign is based on a strategy the CMHA developed early last year having been able to continue its signature events like the Go Green Golf tournament safely, while introducing new virtual events like Ride Don’t Hide.
“As a native Windsorite I’m extremely proud that over the last 50 years, CMHA-WECB has been an invaluable community healthcare provider serving thousands of some of the most marginalized individuals,” Camille Quenneville, CEO, CMHA Ontario, said.
CMHA Windsor-Essex also notes it has the support of champions, ambassadors, workplaces, groups and individuals who have helped to raise funds through third-party events.
“People are struggling in so many areas,” said CEO Claudia den Boer. “CMHA-WECB is continuing to help people through our mental health programs and our Health Centre, but we know that prevention and education is a necessity during a time when we are not even sure what awaits us next.”
The organization says it is confident it can reach its million-dollar goal based on the community support it has already received.
