Ahead of Suicide Awareness Month, the Windsor-Essex branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is encouraging residents in need to reach out and ask for help. Held in September, the month is meant to spread more awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Kim Willis, director of communications and mental health promotion for the local branch, said they hope to raise awareness of available programs and services in the community. “We see so many people in their everyday lives, and everyone has a story. There are things going on in everyone’s lives,” Willis said on AM800’s The Shift with guest host Michelle Maluske. “You never know if someone’s struggling, and you know, more and more we want people to know there is help available and you’re not alone.” Throughout the month, the CMHA is partnering with local organizations, schools, and businesses to help spread the word. The month will feature additional events, communications and activities. A community walk is planned for Sept. 27, with locations in Windsor, Lakeshore, and Leamington. As part of the campaign’s slogan “You Are Not Alone,” Willis said they hope to break down stigma surrounding the topic of suicide. “There is still stigma surrounding a death by suicide,” she said. “I think that goes for a lot of mental health topics and coverage in general; where we have moved the needle significantly, there is still room for improvement.” Over the years, Willis noted that campaigns and initiatives have helped remove some stigma. “Increasingly, mental health has become more commonplace in the workplace and at schools, etc. But opportunities like the month of September give us that other avenue where we can drive awareness, normalize these conversations, let people know they’re not alone,” Willis added. The CMHA will also be offering different types of suicide prevention training, she added.
