White Buffalo

S.P.I.R.I.T.
Response team (ASCIRT)
Aboriginal Suicide & Critical Incident Response Team

Support Services

Working together for excellence in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention

A culturally based, holistic health centre dedicated to a balanced and healthy lifestyles. Programs and services support traditional aboriginal values encompassing the connectedness of emotional, spiritual, physical and mental well-being.

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What You Should Know About Suicide:

Many people think about suicide at some point in their lives. You possibly have a friend or relative who has thought about suicide. You, too, may have occasional feelings of hopelessness.

• Suicide crosses all economic, social and cultural boundaries.
• A significant percentage of people who complete suicide appeared to be functioning well prior to their death.
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for aboriginal people.
• Aboriginal males rate is higher
• Women have a lower rate of death by suicide, but attempt more frequently.
• Most people who die by suicide have talked about it beforehand.

It is important to take
Seriously all thoughts of
Suicide as well as
Suicide attempts.

How to Recognize Suicide risk:

• Direct or indirect statements about death or suicide.
• History of previous suicide attempts.
• Recent traumatic loss (eg, suicide death of a loved one).
• Any sudden change in behavior or mood (eg. From being talkative and outgoing to becoming withdrawn).
• Depression (eg. Crying, sleep and appetite disturbances, hopelessness).
• Finalizing affairs (eg. Giving away possessions, making a will or saying good-byes).
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol.

How You Can Help:

• Listen
• Be aware of the warning signs of suicide and take them seriously.
• Discuss feelings openly and frankly. If you suspect someone is feeling suicidal —ask. Discuss the issue openly is the first step in giving help.
• Show concern and understanding. Get involved in efforts to reach out for help.
• Be objective and non-judgmental.
• Share responsibility by encouraging involvement in family and close friends.
• Help the person to focus on strengths.

How To Help Yourself If You Are In A Suicidal Crisis:
You may be feeling confused and overwhelmed, believing that you are in an unsolvable crisis, you are not alone. Others who have experienced emotional difficulties have been helped by reaching out to someone they trusted or by talking to an experienced professional. If you are in crisis, you deserve help.

By reaching out you can:

• Receive emotional support.
• Look at past and current issues that may be contributing to your difficulties
• Learn new problem solving skills.
• Begin to take charge and feel less helpless.
• Find and build on your strengths.
• Begin to identify constructive alternatives to suicide.

There Are Other Solutions !!!

Consider Contacting Some Of The Following Resources

• Family Doctor
• School Counselor
• Mental Health Workers
• Emergency Department Of The Nearest Hospital
• Traditional Helpers
• Police—911

Please contact the SPIRIT Coordinator for referral information to any of the resources in the communities of the Shuswap Zone.

Spirit also provides community education on topics of suicide prevention, intervention and post vention.

For information contact:

SPIRIT Team Coordinator
517-a Tranquille Rd.
Kamloops, BC v2b 3h3

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Funded By The Ministry Of Children And Family Development