THE GAME-CHANGER – 988 SUICIDE HOTLINE!

Now, I realize that suicide is not a topic most people openly want to talk about. But sometimes we have to. I guarantee that everyone knows someone who has died by suicide, if they haven’t experienced it in their own family or close circle. Suicide is a global crisis that every country admits to, but doesn’t know how to solve.

As a mom of a daughter who died by suicide in 2005, I was thrilled to recently learn that a 9-8-8 national suicide hotline number has been proposed for Canada. I remain hopeful the motion makes it before Parliament for a vote within weeks, and that it is approved and turned into law within the next two years. I agree with mental health professionals and advocates that the hotline will be a game-changer for Canada. It will transform the way we think and talk about suicide and improve support for those at risk who call in. I am certain it will save lives. People just have to call!

During a crisis, there is something psychologically soothing about only having to remember a 3-digit number to call versus one with 10 or 11 digits, such as the current suicide national number. No one should have to remember a long number or type out the alphabet on a keypad when minutes or even precious seconds may make the difference between their life saved or lost.

Now, normally, I am way more comfortable advocating behind the scenes for increased awareness and support for suicide survivors and those at risk. After losing my child, I know just how painful it is for anyone to even hope to recover from a suicide death. However, the 988 initiative is one that has called me to action because of just how much I believe it can be a lifesaver for many.

About suicide…

Here’s the thing about suicide. ANYONE can be hit with it. Anyone can become discouraged by their circumstances and lose all hope for their future. Anyone can be jolted by the sudden and unexpected suicide of a loved one who felt that way. Which is why I’ve contacted every Canadian Member of Parliament urging them to vote yes to this proposed bill.

I want the 9-8-8 hotline to be more than an idea. I want it to become a reality for all Canadians in the not-too-distant future, which it can be with political cooperation. Just like in the United States. A bipartisan bill was recently signed into law for the implementation of a national 9-8-8 number for mental health emergencies by 2022 (lucky folks)!

According to the CEO of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, this is a game-changer. It will be for Canada, too.

While both the USA and Canada have a national suicide crisis line (I’m hoping all countries do), the 3-digit number is easier to remember, connects crisis centres across the country into one national hotline, and offers better support for those calling. Two things to consider about having a dedicated mental health/suicide hotline:

  1. Sometimes just being able to talk to someone without feeling judged for what they are feeling can save someone’s life.
  2. A potential suicide crisis doesn’t necessarily require police or ambulance must arrive at the scene. This can feel threatening to individuals in crisis and maybe even stop them from calling in the first place.

Anyone who is in a mental health crisis knows that reaching out for help is extremely difficult. It takes courage. Having to remember lengthy numbers, getting cut off (this does happen) or shuffled from one crisis worker to another, can be enough to make them think nobody cares anyway. And game over!

The 9-8-8 hotline number is already ingrained in my brain. I’m excited for it to become a reality in the USA (any country) and hope it will be in Canada soon.

Imagine…


One of the things that struck me about the MP who brought this motion to Canada’s Parliament is the struggle he’s faced for decades from the suicide of his friend at age 14. That’s a LOT of years to be in pain and have no answers for the endless questions.

Imagine what losing your child, spouse or other close family member to suicide suddenly and without warning does to more immediate survivors? For all of us who have experienced suicide up close and personal, this is exactly what happens. The death our loved one has been sudden, unexpected and continues to haunt us for years.


Anyone reading this who lives in Canada, I urge you to think about what a 9-8-8 national suicide hotline number means to you. For those you love and care about. Tell others about this initiative. If inclined, email your MP and urge them to support this bill.

If you are reading about this and live in a country that doesn’t have a 3-digit suicide hotline, propose it to your government representative. The push in Canada came from the grassroots movement 988 Campaign for Canada (I’ve also reached out to this organizer to lend a hand where I can).

Suicide can happen to ANYONE! Thank you for listening and caring.

Vonne
www.vonnesolis.com

Photo by Antoine Barrès on Unsplash; 3 Photo by Tony Hand on Unsplash; black phone Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash; Colorful hands Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash