Suicide Prevention Month

This blog contains themes and language around suicide and suicidal thoughts. Readers who may be sensitive to these issues please take note.  

Like all mental health crises, suicidal ideation does not discriminate and can affect anyone. At The Grove, we know how debilitating these thoughts and feelings can be and understand the urgency of the matter, our trained and comprehensive team is here to help. 

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. This is a time to break the stigma, increase awareness and advocacy and remember those we have lost to suicide. Erasing stigma inspires open conversations about suicide and encourages people who are experiencing these thoughts to get the help they deserve. 

This month we want to focus on moving away from keeping quiet and feeling ashamed, and instead, creating a culture where people can talk openly, understand each other, and offer support. At The Grove, we aim to be a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals who walk into our doors, whatever burdens they are holding or issues they are coping with, our team offers support and services designated for a diverse spectrum of mental wellness needs.   

Suicide prevention is not just for this month but is something we need to be conscious of all the time. It is important to become aware of the signs of suicidal thoughts and to spread knowledge of the supports that are available to those who are struggling.

Some warning signs to look out for in yourself and those around you are:

• Excessive alcohol and drug use

• Aggressive behaviour

• Withdrawal from friends, family and community

• Lack of interest in doing usual activities

• Dramatic mood swings

• Impulsive or dangerous behaviour

Here 24/7 is a mental health hotline that is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, this resource is available to anyone needing support. Sharing a common database system with The Grove Wellness Hubs, an individual who has used The Grove’s services and is calling into Here 24/7 experiencing a crisis will have their information on file for the operator who answers. This increases the chances of stabilization significantly while mitigating risk. Aside from here 24/7, there are countless resources for individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide, find the extensive list here. 

At each of The Grove sites, we have a Youth Wellness Team that focuses on providing mental health services to youth. Offering both in-person and virtual one-on-one support that provides a comprehensive approach and referral services to specific mental health professionals. With our cross-site files, accessing care services at all Grove sites, youth will not have to retell their stories to each wellness professional they speak to, making this process a lot less triggering and more productive.  

As a wellness resource, we aim to continue serving the needs of our youth in every way we can. Understanding the severity and prevalence of suicide within our young generation, we recognize the pivotal role we play in providing support and resources to youth experiencing suicide crises. 

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Call or text 9-8-8, Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you need help finding The Grove Hubs sites or want to learn more, call The Grove at 1-833-43-GROVE (47683). 

For more information about The Grove Wellington Guelph and how it has been supporting youth, visit www.thegrovehubs.ca.