GUELPH – June is BUDDY UP month, and the Suicide Awareness Council Wellington-Dufferin is partnering with the Centre for Suicide Prevention to champion its message for men to help their buddies who are struggling with thoughts of suicide.
In Canada, men have a suicide rate that is three times higher than women.
This is not okay, says council coordinator Heather Glenister.
“Men are socialized to be strong, stoic and self-reliant,” Glenister states. “Showing emotion is a sign of weakness, as is asking for help. Further, men are under served by our traditional health and social service sectors.”
Although the campaign runs during the month of June, “we need to start normalizing the conversation, break down the stigma and empower men to feel safe to have conversations about their mental health and suicide,” organizers say.
The BUDDY UP campaign teaches men how to support their friends who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Paying attention to your buddy’s thoughts and behaviours, starting a conversation about what you have been noticing, asking questions and listening to what your buddy is saying and helping him identify other supports – this how the average Joe can help his friends, centre officials note.
“The key take-away is that you don’t have to be a professional to offer your support,” organizers say.
For more information about BUDDY UP and ways a lay-person can help, visit www.buddyup.ca.
For local support, contact:
– HERE 24/7 Waterloo-Wellington -1-844-437-3274
– 24/7 CRISIS SUPPORT Caledon, Dufferin, Peel – 1-888-811-2222
– Crisis Services Canada Line – 1-833-456-4566
If you or some you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
