Health Promotions staff at CFB Shilo hosted the fourth annual Light the Way Out of Darkness walk on Sept. 10 to engage community participation in creating awareness of suicide prevention. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
For every one suicide, more than 90 people are affected by the ripples of the tragedy, Ginger Lamoureux, health promotions manager at CFB Shilo, said on Sept. 10, World Suicide Awareness Day.
More than 50 people participated in the Base’s fourth annual Light the Way Out of Darkness walk, which saw participants tie yellow ribbons to the chain-link fence along Royal Ave. The yellow ribbons commemorate those who have died and honour and support those dealing with the aftermath of suicide.
“Our hope is that we can come together as a community to recognize the importance of mental health and the need to support each other, whether it be family, friends, or colleagues. We ask that you recognize those individuals who need help,” she said.
Lamouroux said leaving a porch light on at 8 p.m. on Sept. 10 will support those around you and let those struggling know you’re available to help.
The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation.” This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
“Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support,” the World Health Organization website states.
“The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.”
The reflex of suicide has far-reaching implications, with every Canadian Armed Forces base affected, Lamoureux said, including CFB Shilo during the past six months.
There were 66 regular force male suicide deaths in the CAF from 2018 to 2022, a February 2024 Surgeon General report issued by the Department of National Defence states.
“For the 2018-2022 period, and for the 2015-2019 and 2020-2022 periods, the suicide rate was higher with statistical significance among Regular Force males who were separated, divorced or widowed when compared to other marital status categories. Additionally, the suicide rate tended to vary by rank category, highest among the junior non-commissioned (JNCM) ranks for the 2018-2022, 2010-2014 and 2015-2019 periods …” the report reads.
“The elevated risk in Regular Force males under Army command, or more specifically, those in combat arms occupations, continues to be an area that is under observation by the CAF,” the report states.