Wednesday September 10, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
On World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, Island Health mental health and injury prevention experts are encouraging everyone to break the silence surrounding suicide and to make space for help and hope.
“Part of prevention of suicide is social connection,” says Acute Mental Health and Substance Use manager Harveen Dhaliwal, who works at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
“Stigma creates reluctance to reach out and can make people feel even more isolated when they most need support. When we reduce stigma and create safe spaces for people to talk, we open the door for hope and healing,” said Dhaliwal in an Island Health news release today.
Some people are reluctant to discuss mental health concerns, including suicide, with their loved ones, friends or care providers. The purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is to raise awareness, including of supports available, to break down barriers and create better cultures of understanding and support. This year’s theme, “Change the narrative on suicide”, suggests normalizing conversations about the topic. | Also see: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Conversations can be impactful, especially when done in a supportive and direct way, says Melanee Szafron, director of Acute and Community Services for South Island and Regional Tertiary Care. “You know yourself and your loved ones best. If you notice a change from the usual, start the conversation. It’s as simple as asking, ‘Are you okay?’ when we notice someone struggling.”
“One of the biggest myths is that suicide cannot be prevented. If these conversations happen, or if people reach out for help, we do see people heal, regain hope, and that’s what keeps us doing this work,” says Dhaliwal.
Island Health has a variety of mental health programs including crisis outreach teams, partnerships with police, same day walk-in services including counselling, hospital care, virtual care, community-based care hubs, primary care consultants, peer support and partner services with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Crisis Lines:
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia: 1-800-SUICIDE
- A confidential, 24-hour toll-free crisis line for people who are feeling suicidal, are concerned for someone who might be suicidal, or for emotional support.
Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888
- For emotional support and connection to local services 24-hours a day, every day of the year.
- Crisis Chat: vicrisis.ca available 6 – 10 p.m.
- Crisis Text: 250-800-3806 available 6 – 10 p.m.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8
- A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
- For Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and across the province. Support is available 24-hours a day, every day of the year.
- Adult Crisis Line: 250-723-4050
- Youth Crisis Line: 250-723-2040
- Métis Crisis line: 1-833-638-4722
Services and other supports
Mental health services, including in times of crisis
Vancouver Island Crisis Society – #The Vancouver Island Crisis Society – Helping People Find Their Way
For parents, caregivers and educators: HealthyMindsBC (video)
For educators: School-Based Programs – Vancouver Island Crisis Society
Island-wide health authority:
Island Health provides health and care services to more than 933,000 people across Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River.
The Island Health team includes more than 32,500 health care professionals, including nearly 3,200 doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives and dentists who make up our Medical Staff.
They are supported by more than 1,500 adult and youth volunteers who contribute more than 70,000 hours of service annually, as well as 12 foundations and 19 active auxiliaries.
Together, they deliver a wide range of health services across a large and geographically diverse region — including public health, primary care, home and community care, mental health and substance use services, acute hospital care and much more.
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NEWS SECTIONS: ISLAND HEALTH