Suicide Prevention

Did you know that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month? Here at SABVC we are committed to prioritizing the mental health and wellbeing of BVC students. We understand that being a student can be difficult and can become an overwhelming experience that significantly impacts your mental health. The 2016 National College Health Assessment Survey found that 13.1% of post-secondary students had seriously considered suicide, and 2.1% had attempted suicide. And although this survey is 9 years old, preventing suicide in post-secondary students is still an extremely prevalent issue. 

There are many resources available to help those experiencing mental health struggles and thoughts of suicide. A safety plan is an excellent tool used in the prevention of suicide. It is a document that can act as a guide to navigating what to do when experiencing thoughts of suicide. Safety plans include personal warning signs, successful coping strategies, support networks and personal reasons for living, steps to make your environment safe, and finally professionals or agencies that can be contacted or visited in the event of a crisis. 

SABVC has free mental health resources available for students to take, including fillable safety plans. Come visit SABVC’s office and take whatever resources you may need. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, please contact any one of the following services:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988

• Distress Centre: (403) 266-4357 or www.distresscentre.com

• BVC Counselling Services: https://bowvalleycollege.ca/student-resources/student-life/mental-health-and-wellness/bvc-counselling

• Emergency help: 911

• Urgent Mental Health: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1064160&serviceAtFacilityID=1099659

• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642

• Mental Health and Social Services: 211