The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Flin Flon and area professionals are invited to learn more about suicide prevention. Certified crisis worker Lyndsay Hersikorn will lead an Advanced Suicide Prevention Training: Level II workshop at the Flin Flon Public Library on Feb. 21 and 22 (see ad below). The focus will be broader suicide assessment skills, including trauma-informed suicide assessment and preventing suicide in the context of an ongoing professional relationship. Professionals, such as counsellors and social workers, are invited to attend. Hersikorn, who grew up in Flin Flon, is completing a Master's degree in social work. She works at Winnipeg's Klinic Community Health Centre, primarily in education and training as well as counselling and supervising students studying social work. The Reminder recently discussed the sensitive topic of suicide with Hersikorn. *** REMINDER: Is suicide a more significant concern in smaller, remote communities like Flin Flon as compared to larger, more accessible cities like Winnipeg? Why? HERSIKORN: Suicide is a complex issue with a number of risk factors identified. Suicide is not exclusive to any particular population or location. That being said, in Manitoba the highest rates of suicide are present in northern communities, particularly the Burntwood region (Thompson and area). There are a number of possible explanations for the statistics in northern communities, including access to mental health supports and services, stigma, intergenerational trauma impacting First Nations people, etc. There is no one cause or explanation, rather it is a combination of risk factors that influence suicidal thinking. REMINDER: What are some of the misconceptions about suicide? HERSIKORN: There is often a lot of fear about asking people who we are concerned about if they are thinking about suicide. This is not true, we need to talk about it. Talking about suicide does not cause someone to become suicidal or increase the risk. Showing genuine concern by asking about suicide directly can be part of an immediate intervention. REMINDER: Why is it important to have suicide-prevention skills? Who should have these skills? HERSIKORN: Suicide is preventable. Most people who attempt suicide do not wish to die but feel overwhelmed by circumstances in their life. Additionally, most people who die by suicide show warning signs that communicate their need for help. Suicide prevention training can help us identify warning signs and respond appropriately with care, concern, and compassion. Suicide prevention skills can also help us connect people to the resources and supports they need. Anyone can make a difference for someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide and would benefit from suicide prevention training. Different opportunities for suicide prevention training exist for community members and professionals. For more suicide-prevention information, please visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention website at www.suicide prevention.ca or visit www.reasontolive.ca. (Hersikorn urges anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, is concerned about someone who is or may be thinking about suicide, or has lost a loved one to suicide to speak with counsellors on the 24-hour toll-free Manitoba Suicide Line at 1-877-435-7170. They can also contact a counsellor in their community, speak to their doctor or go to the emergency room. Online support is also available at www.ruralsupport.ca.)
