Trust your gut when it comes to helping prevent suicide, says Sask. mental health trainer

Too many people are afraid to ask directly — or don't know how to — when they think a person might be considering suicide, says the director of training for the Canadian Mental Health Association.  

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday, Donna Bowyer said more training is needed to help people in Saskatchewan recognize and respond to the signs.

In most cases, she said it is best for people to trust their gut instincts.  

If we walk away by not asking ... we're not doing what needs to be done.- Donna Bowyer, Canadian Mental Health Association

"If you're talking with someone and you have that gut feeling that something isn't quite right, ask questions," said Bowyer.

"Ask questions about what it means to them and if you feel as if they might be having thoughts of suicide, ask them directly."

Provincial suicide rates in Saskatchewan are among the highest in Canada, and Bowyer said the highest incidence is among men aged 39-55.

Bowyer believes Saskatchewan needs a single province-wide helpline, something that other provinces have, to provide better support when people are in crisis.

She said there are currently a number of helplines based out of individual cities and regions.

Bowyer said preventing suicide also comes down to awareness among the general public, saying it's important to give people the skills to help when they see the signs of suicidal thinking.

"If we walk away by not asking, and we go 'I wonder if, I wish I should, I wish I could have,' then we're not doing what needs to be done," she said.

"If you're feeling something is off there's a reason that you're feeling that. Really trust that gut instinct."