Note from the editor

CrossCurrents

In 1999 a young man named Adam hanged himself at his home in Winnipeg. This autumn, Adam’s mother, Marlene Potash, took her own life. This tragedy has an ironic twist: Marlene didn’t just give up when her son killed himself. She battled her way out of depression and formed SPEAK, a suicide prevention and education organization that spoke out to students, community groups and the media about the need for recognizing the signs of depression and reaching out to those around us who might be at risk of suicide. We’re left with the disturbing question: If this tireless advocate for suicide prevention and education could take her own life, can anything be done for someone determined to do the same?

About four thousand Canadians take their own lives each year. Between 20 million and 60 million people attempt suicide each year, and about a million succeed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The sheer numbers have made suicide prevention a major health target. Yes, most suicides can be prevented. But suicide is complex and calls for an equally complex response. The WHO and the Pan American Health Organization have called on governments to show political resolve in improving health care systems to prevent suicide.

According to the WHO, 90 per cent of suicides result from a mental illness or substance use issues. Taking the first step toward suicide prevention means breaking the silence and stigma that surround suicide. This issue of CrossCurrents is taking a step in that direction.

Dr. Antoon Leenaars begins the discussion with a challenge for Canada to develop a national suicide prevention strategy. Judy Johnston shares her story of emerging from a suicide attempt, with advice for clinicians about what people who have attempted suicide need from them on their journey back to life. Dr. Jennifer White discusses the role that schools can play in suicide prevention, raising awareness among youth and building resiliency. The issue also features an article about the unique challenges of treating chronically suicidal people with borderline personality disorder. The next two articles discuss suicide survivors – those left behind. Children may experience grief under the cloak of shame and silence and need help in working through their grief in a healthy way. Clinicians, too, are affected by a client’s suicide, both personally and professionally, and require a supportive network. The Q&A discusses the role that distress centres play in the health care system. Finally, the Last Word column discusses the challenges of balancing client confidentiality with the clinician’s duty to protect clients at risk for self-harm. Enjoy this thought-provoking issue. Send us your comments, suggestions and ideas. Write a letter to the editor expressing your thoughts on our stories. It is your input that furthers the dialogue around mental health and addiction issues.

Hema Zbogar
tel 416 595-6714
hema_zbogar@camh.net