Every day in Quebec, three people take their own lives; that’s more than 1,000 people per year. It’s just too many. It’s too many of our fathers, our brothers, our spouses, our colleagues, our friends. Too many people we love and who we lose.
Despite this staggering figure, we do not dare to talk about suicide. It is not easy to talk about it, to talk about such a taboo, delicate subject. However, it is by talking about suicide that it is possible to counter it, to prevent it. Through concrete and continuous actions, by daring to open a dialogue on the subject, we contribute to saving lives.
This is why today, as part of World Suicide Prevention Day, I signed the new Manifesto for Suicide Prevention.
This manifesto allows us to show our commitment to taking such simple but concrete actions that can change things. It commits us to knowing the resources available, to being attentive to ourselves and the people around us, and to seeking help if we are worried about ourselves or a loved one.
Too often, statistics are only used to make brochures that remain on display shelves, or that are used in awareness-raising speeches once a year, during world days.
Today, but also every other day of the year, I would like statistics to serve as a means of raising collective awareness.
I would like us to decide to no longer accept these figures.
I would like us to benefit from great visibility to make known the resources in place, both to help grieving families and people who want to take their own lives.
I would like all Quebecers to know that by dialing 535353, they are texting a suicide prevention worker directly, and that by calling 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553), they will find someone to listen to them or to a loved one who is worrying them.
I would like us, collectively, to take concrete action. On the ground. To go to schools, to workplaces to raise awareness among people and to get involved, all together.
I would like the media, elected officials and organizations to take action that will help people in distress.
I would like many of you to join me and the other people who have signed this manifesto, so that together we can create a Quebec without suicide.
I want everyone who needs to hear it to know that there is hope. For real.