"We're all human beings. We're all vulnerable, we all suffer and we all need help at times. That's just the normal thing, and I hope we can get that message across."
So says Ashif Kassam, owner of Lumina Counselling Services in St. Albert. With over 20 years of experience in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, Kassam has helped many people turn their lives around.
Yet there are still so many others out there who are reluctant to talk about mental health and illness. We've come a long way, but the stigma around the topic remains.
"As we become more open and honest, I'm hopeful that people can just say matter-of-factly that they have depression. Just as they would in saying that they have diabetes," Kassam said.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Talking about the stigma of suicide and mental illness is absolutely key in suicide prevention. While people are often unashamed to admit to a physical injury, the same isn't always true when it comes to mental health. A common misconception is that it's the person's fault for having a mental illness, that they aren't doing everything they can to fix the problem.
The truth is, there are broader, social issues at play. There is no simple reason for a suicide. But knowing when and how to ask about suicide can save lives.
Starting the conversation
St. Albert is a relatively affluent community. Consequently, Kassam said he often sees people who have high status and are physically fit, but don't have someone with whom to engage. They may have a deep-rooted issue or may have developed a certain habit in their thinking that's actually harmful."It's difficult for someone in the throws of anxiety, addiction or depression to pull themselves out. Even if we know something's wrong . . . we don't have the tools or the objectivity to bring us out of that."
Kassam said counselling is an extremely important step in suicide prevention, whether it's through the Primary Care Network, individual therapists or people in religious organizations. He added therapy has come a long way from the psychoanalysis stereotype people try to avoid.
While certain disorders (such as schizophrenia) definitely require medication, Kassam said he believes there are other effective treatments that don't result in unintended side effects. At Lumina Counselling Services, Kassam uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to treat a variety of mental disorders. This technique puts the counsellor and the patient on the same team. Literally, the acronym TEAM describes how the process works: tests, empathy, agenda and methods.
Patients are tested before and after each session to measure their thoughts and feelings. Kassam said this keeps the counsellor on the same page as the patient because "someone might be smiling, but really be quite profoundly depressed." This continual feedback gives the counsellor a better understanding of the patient's experience.
Empathy is putting aside biases and stepping into another person's shoes. Without empathy, a person might feel as if he or she is being misunderstood. Agenda is about setting goals in a prioritized way. And finally, the methods are the ways in which thoughts, functions and perceptions are changed.
Kassam said his success rate with CBT is in the high 90s. He said, when done right, it's as good as anything else out there for things such as anxiety, depression, addiction and a number of other mental illnesses.
But, as important as counselling may be, it cannot be forced.
Finding the human connection
Yoga, choir, crafts, books and quilts. These are just some of the Peer Connections groups available through the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Edmonton.The groups are focused on a certain task or activity and the goal is to create a fun, safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Those struggling with their mental health are especially welcome. If counselling doesn't seem to be the right option, these groups can help people work through their recovery creatively.
It's easier to talk about one's struggles with people who genuinely care and understand. And that's exactly what these groups are meant for. Gail Haynes, housing services manager at CMHA, said the quilting club is quite popular this year.
"They obviously get together and quilt, but it's more than that. It reduces social isolation and people can make meaningful connections. If someone's having thoughts of suicide, they have someone to reach out to."
Next, the CMHA is working on a project called Recovery College. The project is modelled after the Recovery College in Calgary, with an educational-based approach that incorporates both people with lived experience and a trained facilitator.
"It's not just open to individuals with lived experience – the Recovery College or our Peer Connections – anyone can attend if it interests them," Haynes said.
In Calgary, there are over 30 courses to help people recognize and develop their own resourcefulness and awareness to support their recovery journey. All the courses are free, though some require pre-registration.
Haynes said the CMHA in Edmonton is asking people to bring forward course submissions. The topics can vary. In Calgary, they have everything from Understanding Harm Reduction to Adulting 101. The goal is to co-produce the curriculum, so the courses offered are exactly what's needed in the community. Haynes said the college should open some time in 2019.
"There's always stigma attached to mental health. It's about changing perceptions across the board."
Hope, help and healing
St. Albert is making steps towards normalizing mental illness.This year saw the first annual candlelight vigil in support of World Suicide Prevention Day. Faye Tkachuck, co-chair of the St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship, said functions such as this are incredibly important to start conversations about suicide.
"There are a lot of people within our group that have lost (someone) to suicide or have feelings of contemplating that idea," she said. "If you don't talk about these things, you become sicker and it goes farther inward. It's not healthy."
Tkachuck has volunteered with the Bereavement Fellowship for about 10 years. The not-for-profit group aims to help people cope with the death of a loved one. She said she's noticed issues like suicide and accidental overdoses seem easier to talk about now than in past years.
"We had a lady coming and going for 10 years. Only six months ago did she say to me that her husband passed away from suicide. She said the only reason she could (admit to) this was because we had a guest speaker who talked about death by suicide."
For so many years, it was easier for the woman to say her husband had died of a heart attack than by suicide. Her husband was well-known in the community and she just couldn't admit to that.
"She said she was like a little bird with a broken wing. She couldn't fly. It just kept her down. When she was finally able to admit that to me, she said she felt as if she lost 10 tonnes."
The Bereavement Fellowship has a help line that's open 24/7 for people to call when they're feeling lowest. Everything is kept confidential and no questions are asked unless necessary. The line is intended for people suffering from a loss, but Tkachuck said they also point people to self-help resources or medical professionals.
"We can't help unless they call us. It may save a lot of grief. It may even save a life," she said. "If it can be opened up and talked about; it doesn't help the dead, but it sure helps the living."
Suicide is preventable. Know the warning signs and the resources available.
The acronym IS PATH WARM can help someone recognize a person at risk:
I – Ideas of suicide
S – Substance abuse
P – Purposelessness
A – Anxiety
T – Trapped
H – Hopelessness/Helplessness
W – Withdrawal
A – Anger
R – Recklessness
M – Mood changes
For more information on suicide, visit www.suicideinfo.ca or www.ab.211.ca for mental health programs in your area.
