Help is available for those thinking of suicide

By Lethbridge Herald on September 5, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Every year, approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide, which is equivalent to 12 people taking their own lives every day. 

September is Suicide Awareness Month and World Suicide Prevention Day is on Sept. 10. Both aim to raise awareness not only of people lost to suicide, but also those who experience thoughts of suicide or attempt suicide. 

National Suicide Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health, offering an opportunity to educate, empathize, and advocate for Canadians affected by suicide. 

“Suicide, self-harm, mental health are our core concepts to what we do,” says David Gabert of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta South Region. “We really want to make sure that there’s avenues for people to reach out and find support to talk about mental health, suicide and self-harm throughout the year.” 

On World Suicide Prevention Day, people will gather in communities across Canada and around the world to show support for suicide prevention efforts, remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died by suicide and comfort those who grieve the loss of a loved one to suicide.

“World Suicide Prevention Day offers us a chance to have those conversations and to bring awareness of some of the resources and supports that exist right here in Lethbridge and across Canada,” says Gabert.

For those contemplating suicide, there is help available through crisis hotlines and other supports through organizations like the CMHA. Gabbert says communication is the first step.

“Talk to somebody. Find that trusted person to reach out to. It can be a professional support. It can be someone in your circle. There’s always those anonymous supports available. If you don’t know where to turn, the easiest thing to do is to call 9-8-8, our National Suicide Prevention Hotline.”

While the service is designed to respond to those at risk of suicide, no caller will be turned away. Those seeking to access other mental health supports, may be directed to other services in their area, for example.

“Lethbridge has incredible groups that are working to support people right here in our community,” says Gabbert. “Lethbridge Family Services, Lethbridge Family Centre, CMHA, but there’s a broad, broad range of services that are available.

“It’s never too early to reach out to any of those resources, be it the distress line, community links, or any of the programs through the Lethbridge Integrated Coordinated Access Network. We’re always there and always available for people to reach out to us.