You Are Not Alone: Honouring Suicide Prevention Month with Compassion, Awareness, and Action
Each year, September marks Suicide Prevention Month—a time to come together, speak openly, and take real steps toward saving lives. It’s a month that asks us to face hard truths with open hearts.
At the Dakota Foundation, this month holds deep meaning. We exist because of a story of loss—and a mission to ensure fewer families, fewer friends, and fewer communities have to carry the same pain.
This isn’t just about prevention. It’s about compassion, connection, and building a world where no one feels invisible in their suffering.
The Reality of Suicide in Canada and Beyond
Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death among youth and young adults in Canada. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada:
- Every day, an average of 12 people die by suicide
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadians aged 15–24
- For every life lost, countless more are affected—family, friends, peers, and caregivers
And yet, the stigma remains. People are often afraid to talk about it. Some are afraid to ask for help. Others don’t know what to say.
That’s why Suicide Prevention Month matters. Because silence is not safety.
What Suicide Prevention Really Means
Prevention is not about finding all the right words. It’s not about fixing people. It’s about:
- Listening without judgment
- Checking in—even when nothing seems wrong
- Creating spaces where pain is not punished or ignored
- Offering resources that are accessible, culturally safe, and ongoing
- Reminding people—again and again—that they are not a burden
What to Watch For: Warning Signs of Suicide
You don’t need to be a mental health professional to notice signs that someone may be struggling. Some red flags include:
- Talking about hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or favourite activities
- Extreme mood swings or emotional numbness
- Increased use of substances
- Giving away belongings or saying goodbye
- Sudden calm after a period of depression
If something feels off, say something. Trust your instinct. You don’t have to have all the answers—just be present.
How the Dakota Foundation is Making a Difference
The Dakota Foundation was born from loss—but it lives in hope and action. Our work is grounded in creating life-affirming spaces for young people through:
- Peer support programs where lived experience leads the way
- Community workshops on mental health literacy and trauma-informed care
- Creative expression initiatives that give youth safe outlets to share and heal
- Micro-grants for youth-led mental wellness projects in British Columbia
We’re not here to “fix” anyone. We’re here to walk alongside them. To make it easier to speak. Easier to reach out. Easier to survive.
You Can Help—Right Now
You don’t have to start a nonprofit to make a difference. Here’s how you can support suicide prevention this month:
✅ Talk About It
Normalize conversations around mental health and suicide—especially with youth and men, who are often less likely to speak up.
✅ Share Resources
Post helpline numbers. Share blog posts like this one. Visibility saves lives.
✅ Check In On Your People
Text someone out of the blue. Ask how they’re really doing. And be ready to listen.
✅ Be Gentle With Yourself
If you’re struggling yourself, know this: You are not weak. You are not broken. You are not alone.
✅ Donate or Volunteer
Support grassroots organizations—like Dakota Foundation—that provide critical front-line support.
Crisis Resources (Canada)
- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 — 24/7 support
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Hope for Wellness Help Line (for Indigenous Peoples): 1-855-242-3310
If someone is in immediate danger, please call 911 or visit your nearest hospital.
Final Words: Let’s Be the Light
For someone in crisis, the world can feel incredibly dark. But even one small light—one friend, one safe space, one moment of kindness—can change everything.
Let’s be that light. Let’s carry Dakota’s legacy forward not just in words, but in action, awareness, and unshakable compassion.
Because every life matters. Every story matters.
And you are not alone.