Help Evan raise money

Hello my name is Evan and I am a nursing student at Camosun College and I will be running in the royal Victoria half marathon on Sunday October 10^th. For this marathon I will be raising money for NEED2 suicide Prevention Education & Support. Mental Health is something that I am very passionate about and being able to raise money for this great organization is an honor. NEED2 suicide prevention Education and Support is a non-profit organization that works everyday to prevent deaths by suicide through community programs and online presence. They provide accessible emotional and crisis support by engaging the community and advancing the dialogue surrounding suicide. 

Suicide is one of the top ten causes of death in Canada. It’s a serious public health problem with lasting, harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. An average of 10 people die by suicide each day in Canada, and of those approximated 4000 deaths a year more than 90% are confronting a mental health problem or illness. Not only that but for every suicide death there are 5 self-inflicted injuries and hospitalizations, 25-30 attempts, and 7-10 people profoundly affected by suicide loss 

Raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention will help break down the barriers that surround these subjects. The more we become educated on what it means to be suicidal as well as the warning signs and risk factors of suicide the more people who are struggling will feel safe to reach out as they will be met without judgment. Those who have lost someone to suicide, those bereaved by suicide, survivors of suicide loss, people who have survived an attempt, attempt survivors, those who support, care for and love someone with constant thoughts of suicide are all people who have had their lives impacted by suicide

Being suicidal does not mean someone has a desire to die. When someone is feeling like they want to end their life it does not mean they are weak or seeking attention. What it does mean is that their ability to cope has been overwhelmed and the pain has become too much. They may become overwhelmed by the fear of becoming a burden, and they may see no other option. 

Suicide is difficult to talk about but becoming aware and educated will help people feel empowered to help others, help recognize the risk factors, and help connect people to the supports they need. We are all strong resilient and brave people, but we need help. suicide can be prevented 

            Anyone can be impacted by suicide, but all of us can help