Trigger warning: This article contains references to suicide and crisis intervention which some individuals may find distressing.
If you are located in Canada and are in mental health distress or worried about someone you know, call 1-866-277-3553 or text 535353. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
“Yes, suicide is a disturbing and difficult topic to talk about. But it’s by talking about it that we can break the stigma and actually help someone in crisis.” – Tania Boilar
September is Suicide Awareness Month—an opportunity to shed light on an often-stigmatized topic and amplify the voices of those working tirelessly to support individuals in crisis. Suicide in Canada is a significant public health concern, with about 12 people dying by suicide each day according to Statistic Canada. In honour of this important month, we sat down with Tania Boilar, the executive director of Jevi, a nonprofit dedicated suicide prevention in the seven Eastern Townships territories of Quebec. We asked Tania about the realities of suicide prevention work, and what each of us can do to help create a more supportive, connected world.
What are some misconceptions people have about suicide or suicidal ideation, and how do you address them?
Unfortunately, there are still many myths and taboos surrounding the issue of suicide. Every day, we try—whenever we can—to change the public’s perception of these myths.
For example, we often hear that someone who dies by suicide was either brave or, on the contrary, cowardly. In reality, it’s neither. It’s a matter of suffering. The person who dies by suicide didn’t want to die—they wanted to stop hurting. But in their perception, they saw no other way out than suicide. That’s where suicide prevention centers come in: by offering people in crisis new tools to cope with the distress they’re experiencing.
We also often hear that people who talk about suicide frequently are just seeking attention or trying to manipulate others. However, suicidal statements should always be taken seriously. They are cries for help. We must also be cautious with repeated or long-term suicidal talk. The repetition of these messages can lead to desensitization among those around the person, reducing the perceived seriousness of the situation.
Finally, people are often uncomfortable bringing up the topic of suicide with their loved ones because they fear that talking about it might put the idea in their heads. It won’t. Yes, suicide is a disturbing and difficult topic to talk about. But it’s by talking about it that we can break the stigma and actually help someone in crisis. Asking directly if someone is thinking about suicide is not suggesting the idea—it’s opening the door for them to express their pain. Talking about suicide is important—but it must be done with care. We must avoid trivializing the subject, daring someone to go through with it, or praising someone who died by suicide by calling their act heroic.
What motivated you to get involved in suicide prevention work, and what keeps you passionate about this cause?
Since suicide has no face, no gender, no age, no origin, and anyone can be affected, it’s very important to me to work toward reducing suicide rates and opening up the conversation on this topic. I have been working at JEVI for nearly 20 years now, and I am still just as passionate about it.
At the time I was finishing my social work degree at the University of Sherbrooke and was looking for a job to start my career as a social worker. The opportunity to work at JEVI came up and I took it! I honestly didn’t think I was good at crisis intervention since I’m naturally more anxious. But I quickly realized that my anxiety was a driving force for me, not a hindrance. It pushed me to challenge myself and to be very conscientious in my work. Over the years I’ve developed experience in crisis intervention that I love! It also means I have devoted my entire career up to now to suicide prevention. Also, beyond all that, like many others, I’ve had friends who took their own lives or attempted suicide. It’s a reminder of how important the cause is.
When you see all the work that can be done with a person in distress — when you see the state they’re in when they first come to us, and how they leave at the end of their follow-up — it’s incredible! People who were ready to commit suicide and who have now found a true joy for life — that’s our real reward. At JEVI, we work a lot with life and hope — not with death.
Can you share a story or experience that has had a profound impact on you in your work?
As part of our work, we also have to go to the scene of a suicide to support the family and loved ones who have just received this terrible news. For me, these are always difficult interventions, but also so rewarding. When we have to tell children that their parent has taken his own life, and we see the impact it has on them, we are immediately reminded why we do this work.
Do you have any rituals or practices that help you to stay mentally strong and resilient in your work?
At JEVI, the strength of the team, the support between colleagues, and the constant presence of the clinical supervisor are very important. Some situations are more difficult than others and affect us in different ways. So, having people to talk to—confidentially and anonymously—is very important.
On a more personal level, creating a boundary between work and my personal life is very important. For me, that happens in my car on the way home from work. It’s the moment when I close my files in my mind until the next day.
What are some ways people support suicide prevention work in their communities or among their loved ones?
Listening is the key to suicide prevention. Being able to recognize warning signs and bring up the subject with loved ones is the most direct way to engage in suicide prevention within the community. Anyone can come across a person in distress, show interest in their suffering, and refer them to specialized suicide prevention services.
Looking ahead, what are the next steps your organization is focusing on to further the cause of suicide prevention?
In the coming years, we truly aim to increase our visibility within the community and to reach groups of people we have not yet been able to engage. We want to strengthen our awareness efforts, expand our outreach initiatives, and explore innovative approaches to connect with those who may need us.
If funding permits, we would also like to grow our intervention team so that we can provide even more direct support to individuals seeking help.
To learn more about Jevi, visit their website at jevi.qc.ca. If you reside in the Eastern Townships territories, you can access multiple free and confidential intervention services by calling 819 564-1354.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, below are multiple resources that can help:
Suicide.ca
Tel: 1-866-277-3553
Service offered in English and French
Jevi
Tel: 819-564-1354
Service offered in French
Suicide Prevention Center of Montreal
Tel: 1 866 277-3553
Service offered in English and French
For more resources, visit Vent Over Tea’s resource guide.
