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CA RP ET O RI EN TA L R U G S VI N YL H AR DW O O D C E R A M IC S C A R P E T CA RP ET O RI EN T A L R U G S VI N YL H AR DW O O D CARPET O RIEN TA L RU G S VIN YL H ARDW O O D C E R A M IC S C A R P E T CARPET O RIEN TA L RU G S VIN YL H ARDW O O D WALL TO WALL CARPET SPECIALS DESIGNER AREA RUGS By "Karastan" Flooring/Carpet Hardwood/Laminates Rugs (Area, Persian, Imported) C A R P E T O R I E N TA L R U G S V I N Y L H A R D W O O D C E R A M I C S C A R P E T w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER Th ur sd ay , O ct ob er 7 , 2 01 0 4 By Christina Commisso METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP The effects of a suicide death are far- reaching, yet preventing a suicide could start with a simple smile. Someone who may not have known that individual well might stop and think, Maybe if I had stopped to talk or maybe if I smiled at that person it would have made a differ- ence, says Michele Singleton, chair of the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition (HSPC). With suicide being the second leading cause of death among youths, HSPC is try- ing to educate the public and break down the stigmas associated with metal illness and depression. I think those stigmas have been long- standing throughout our culture. Often peo- ple with mental illness are thought to be lazy, or they may not have the stamina or the ability to pull up their socks and get on with life, Singleton explained, adding, Theres a perception that people with metal illness are violent and are criminal when, in fact, people with mental illness are people like you and me. Thirty suicide deaths occur each year on average in Halton, and there are more than 420 hospitalizations each year for attempted suicides. Singleton said men die by suicide four times more often than women, however women attempt suicide four times more often than men. Men between 40 and 49 years of age have the highest rate of suicide and for youths between 20 and 24 years old, suicide is the second leading cause of death. According to Singleton, the stigma sur- rounding suicide reaches far beyond the vic- tims and has a great impact on the survivors of suicide, the term used for family and friends left behind. Those people dont have the support of many family and friends who might normal- ly support someone in the situation of death. They dont feel able to talk about it because of the shame associated with suicide, said Singleton. In addition theres the guilt that people feel, wondering How did I miss the signs that this person was not well or What might I have done differently? Halton Region has recently teamed up with the school board to help encourage a friendlier environment in the classroom. The initiative focuses on looking at the schools culture and determining how to make it a more welcoming place for kids to be. A place where they feel comfortable, safe and confident, if they need help in asking for it. The program includes Hello Hallway, a designated hallway where youths are encour- aged to say hello to students they may not know, in a language of their choice. It also includes a common lunch to allow increased access for students to participate in clubs and activities and bullying prevention. The signs of suicidal thoughts can be sub- tle, said Singleton, such as someone becom- ing more withdrawn, eating more or eating less, a change in sleeping patterns or not connecting with friends. More obvious signs include giving away prized possessions or making comments like life isnt worth liv- ing. If these signs last for about two weeks, Singleton said its time to ask about depres- sion. Its important to be able to listen with- out judging the individual in what they say to you. Singleton recommends helping that per- son get help from a crisis line, counsellor or family doctor, or if that persons life is in dan- ger, call 911 or go with him/her to the emer- gency department of the nearest hospital. Its important to trust your instincts, to both reach out to someone who might be suicidal and to help them get help if needed. In 2005 a mobile crisis team was estab- lished in Halton. The team of trained police officers and mental health professionals go to clients homes if theyre experiencing severe mental health issues, including sui- cide. While Singleton is pleased with the for- mation of the crisis team and the school boards efforts to prevent depression in Haltons schools, she says there remains a gap in awareness of mental health issues. I think each one of us, as individuals and as human beings, in Halton can have an impact and actually prevent a suicide death if we have the right information, if we know what to look for, and if we know where to get help. Group trying to break down stigma of mental illness Help dealing with mental illness, depres- sion and suicidal thoughts is available at: COAST Halton Crisis Line 1-877-825- 0119 Reach Out Centre for Kids (17 and younger) 905-878-9785 Distress Centre Oakville 905-849- 4541 North Halton Distress & Information 905-877-1211 Telecare Burlington 905-681-1488 Your family doctor. Information is also available at www.suicidepreventionhalton.ca. In an emergency and for immediate help, call 911. Where to turn to for help