CW: SUICIDE

In June Dr. Roark launched the 4 eyes save lives initiative. The goal is to reduce accessibility to lethal drugs in veterinary medicine. The article on this life-saving initiative can be read here.

The idea behind this initiative is to ensure that nobody in a veterinary clinic can access the means to die by suicide on their own. If someone else is present, the chances of someone taking their own life is greatly reduced. Setting these systems in place is not only life-saving, but it is also a relatively easy change for many clinics. It’s an actionable goal if people in the veterinary profession are really serious about reducing the risk of suicide in the profession.

I believe this should be standard practice within the veterinary community, but also in the wildlife rehabilitation community. Does anyone else have these steps in place outside of human medicine? It’s been almost a month since the launch of the #4EyesSaveLives initiative was launched. Has your clinic implemented these strategies? For those in other animal care areas, how do you limit access to lethal means for people in your facility?

As always, email me at encounterswithsentientbeings@gmail.com !

Where to get help

Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Toll-free 1-833-456-4566
Text: 45645
Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca 

In French: Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)

Kids Help Phone: 
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Text: TALK to 686868 (English) or TEXTO to 686868 (French)
Live Chat counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca 

Post-Secondary Student Helpline:
Phone: 1-866-925-5454
Good2talk.ca 

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre

If you’re worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them, says the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Here are some warning signs:

• Suicidal thoughts.
• Substance abuse.
• Purposelessness.
• Anxiety.
• Feeling trapped.
• Hopelessness and helplessness.
• Withdrawal.
• Anger.
• Recklessness.
• Mood changes.