When you start a conversation about suicide, it’s important to do it safely. Find out more about how to have safe and thoughtful conversations about suicide and mental health.
We Can Talk About Suicide
When it comes to talking about suicide, it can be hard to find the words. Whether you are trying to find a way of telling someone you are struggling, or you want to ask someone you know if they’re OK, starting the conversation can seem like a daunting task.
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline can help.
During Suicide Prevention Month and for World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), we’re sharing tools and resources to open up the conversation about suicide and encourage people to get support.
Starting the conversation
Talking about suicide isn’t just important when someone is in crisis. Normalizing talking about suicide can help break down the stigma and make it easier for people to get help. ‘We can talk about suicide’ is a set of 50 questions designed to open up the conversation about suicide and mental health. You can use it with your friends, family, colleagues or classmates to start conversations that really matter.
You can download a digital copy by clicking the button on the right, or order your free physical copy here.
Lighting up Canadian landmarks
More than a dozen landmarks in locations across Canada will be lit up in the 9-8-8 yellow on September 10, 2024 to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Find your nearest illumination in the list below!
Vancouver: City Hall; Burrard Street Bridge. Edmonton: High Level Bridge. Winnipeg: Manitoba Legislative Building; Esplanade Riel; Winnipeg sign. Fort Erie: Peace Bridge. Ottawa: Ottawa sign. Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls. Toronto: Toronto sign; CN Tower. St John’s: Signal Hill National Historic Site; Newfoundland and Labrador Legislative Building
Spread the word
You can share these graphics to help open up the conversation about suicide and mental health this Suicide Prevention Month.
You can click the individual download buttons on the right for specific graphics.
Click here to download a collection of square graphics (1080×1080) designed specifically for Suicide Prevention Month.
Click here to download a collection of vertical graphics (1080×1920) designed specifically for Suicide Prevention Month.
Guidance and support
Suicide-safe language
How to use the language to help break down the stigma.
Talk to someone you’re worried about
How to talk to someone if you think they might be having thoughts of suicide.
Tell someone how you’re feeling
How to tell someone if you’re struggling.
