Episode # 6: Mental Health with Monica: Suicide Awareness Month: 7 Misconceptions around 9-8-8

A compassionate radio segment focused on 9-8-8, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, offering hope, understanding, and practical support to people experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide. The segment combines inspiring stories from suicide attempt survivors and people whose lives have been touched by crisis, highlighting resilience, recovery, and the importance of reaching out for help. Through honest and hopeful conversations, listeners are reminded that even in the darkest moments, support is available and things can change. The program also provides clear, accessible information about 9-8-8, including when to call or text, what to expect when reaching out, and how friends, family members, and caregivers can support someone who may be struggling. Helpful resources, expert guidance, and local community services are woven throughout the segment, creating a safe and informative space where listeners can learn, feel less alone, and discover pathways toward support and recovery. Key message: You don’t have to face a crisis alone. Help is available, hope is possible, and reaching out can be the first step Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resources https://www.youtube.com/kevinhines (Kevin Hines YouTube Channel) https://suicidetherippleeffectfilm.com/ (Suicide The Ripple Effect movie license information) https://health-infobase.canada.ca/mental-health/suicide-self-harm/#citation https://kevinhinesstory.com/ https://www.suzannesagmeister.com/ https://tabf.ca/ https://www.camh.ca/en/patients-and-families/programs-and-services/virtual-urgent-care Klonsky ED, Dixon-Luinenburg T, May AM. The critical distinction between suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. World Psychiatry. 2021 Oct;20(3):439-441. doi: 10.1002/wps.20909. PMID: 34505359; PMCID: PMC8429339. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505359/ Local Resources: https://drstaceyschell.com/ https://cmhahkpr.ca/