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8 - The Canadian ChampIon, Tussday, JuIy 4, 2000 u i Victims oflen suent but numbers speak volumes By IRENE GENTLE The Champion he victims are often T suent, but the numbers speak volumes. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Canadians aged 25 to 34 years, and the second Ieading cause for youths aged 14 to 19 years. But the frequency of occurrence docsn't make it any essier for the average person to say the word aloud. And the silence could be pulling Canadians to the brink of catastrophe. According to Distress Centre figures, one in seven Canadians have seriously considered suicide in the past. and this countrys suicide rate is higher than that of the United States. Talking la key One thing seems certain - talking forthrightly about suicide W someone who seema sE risk won't push them into making that ultimate leap. But it might bnng them back. "Ask them directly if they are thinking of suicide," said Judy Rasanen, director of the North Halton Distreas Centre. "It won't put the thought in their head. It'll juat clarify it." For some, suicide may appear 60 be a one- person solution to a very singular pain. But according to Ms Rasanen, six othera are typically seriously affected by every suicide. So if the blues appear to be dipping into code red territory, there are guidelines. A key tip is 60 let tIse person talk. "Listen. Please juat listen," aaid Ms Rasanen. "Let them talk. Dont judge them and don't minimize their feelings. Reinforce how important it is that they stay alive." When dealing with a person in crisis, neyer promise not 60 telI someone cIsc. Every threat should be tasken as a serious cry for help, and anyone troubled by suici- daI thoughts should be referred 60 a pro- fessional as soon as possible. 'It's not betrsying your friend," said Ms Rasanen. "It's helping your friend." Be aware of the risk factors for suicide. They include previous suicide auempts, mental or physical ilînens, abuse,. major bases including unemployment, bereave- ment and divorce, asad substance abuse. But as demographica change, the profile of tIse vulnerable change with il. Today, lonely seniors are in particular peril. "We neyer used 60 think that but it's my understanding that's the highest risk group," said Ms Rasanen. Reach out for help But no one is immune 60 the anger, depression or Ions that can slowly and inexorably creep toward fantasies of self- annihilation. If plagued by suicidai thoughts, reach out for help. Caîl a criais line, speak 60 a clergy per- son or visit s doctor or emergency depart- ment. On many cases, communication is the light that guides one out of the daek place where thoughts of suicide can blossom into action. "A lot of people need 60 talk and sort through their feelings," aasid Ms Rasanen. "Somebody will listen." Suicide warning signs Tlw,'aoo typical suacId~ ~e~lPilL but foTtusi*toly thor@ arc soano ctlrnoypoal w-- a d~8baD~fl~~iQ6*r * withdr4*4atg frtwt f4pn4s andfor aocialacêvots0 * boa*ot Issto~ lai hobbies, work0 sche8ol, etc. * dealla Voei5*[atlOO4iltC nukhsg oot a w~fin~30ngalhehte *~aw~y~~0DS .haviflgat0wss$*ed~uiQidebefort .t*ldtagwinee@WysiSk~ ogarecntaeveoelo1* * preoceupatlon with dealh and dying * bas 0f ~ntcreat lp persoisal appear- .hlatotyofsstbetsoeeablue * incoeaaing use of akôhol ordnsgs, Photo by GRAHAM PAINE SuIcide le the Iesding cause of death for Canadlans sged 25to 34 years, and the second l.adlng cause for youths agsd 14 ta 19 years. ((O))COCiECO 1~7~444& www.COgecO.C8 Acton 21 Main Street North, Acton, ON L7J 1V9 519-853-1270, or 853-4700 COGECO 14 Programming Schedule - JuIy 4th, 2000 - JuIy lOfh, 2000 Otan, lias, Pista EJO, 6:30, 1:3tpa 640~a 800w 'e Encan Ha~aoçPa~~8est Thekocat lare Cogno Spot: Ranoso tpstaoy lOis, han, Nota 5-JO, 530.1:30w 500w Encan C*ismtn0asoan loto To EnS Minai Cootisi: 5485 lOanilan, Nota 5~0, 630, 1:30~ P~ la1 bon Putted la1 06e Local Sane Tignîcat Cft Ibali V,... ~a..nI4w Talavatan taklne tenu tharel "Tl~ercat CFL Football" - Thurday, 8 pm t. .-'~--.-...-,.--..-.-. --- --'-- -- ttga, tlaa;Nsoe 5:30,6:30, 1:OOçc 6:00w 0:00w 8:00w Encan 8~ n CissscsAganecaoe Ha4s WsNo E.C boy SiatenlAs