Combating the silence around suicide with Dennis Mackenzie

An overwhelming number of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans and their Families are directly and profoundly impacted by suicide loss. Yet, few know where, how or when to talk about it — or if it should even be discussed at all.
 
How soon is too soon? What happens when it's too late? What should one even say?
 
Dennis Mackenzie lost 10 friends while serving in Afghanistan in 2007. In the years since then, he has lost many more to suicide. Dennis now devotes himself to sharing his experiences and advocating for more open conversation and support surrounding suicide in the Veteran and Family community.
 
He joined Brian and Laryssa to discuss:

• The prevalence and impacts of suicide among Veterans and their loved ones
• Psychological and emotional challenges uniquely faced by service members
• Strategies for coping with and healing through loss by suicide
• Why it’s important to advocate and raise awareness around suicide in the Veteran and Family community
• How support systems and community can help people who are at risk
• What kind of language to use in discussing suicide
• The therapeutic benefits of being involved in projects and activities that support personal well-being

While it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to turn for Veterans and Family members impacted by suicidal thoughts and behaviours, it is important to know there are tools and resources available to help and support yourself or a loved one.

Resources

• Suicide prevention for Veterans and Family members
• Military and RCMP Veterans and suicide prevention — a toolkit of practical information and guidance
• Looking after yourself and others — a toolkit of practical information and guidance on suicide prevention for Veteran Families
• A guide for people and Families struggling with suicide — St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton 
• The Guardian Angel Platoon — music that heals
• Support options from Soldier On
• 9-8-8 — Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Media guidelines for reporting on Veterans, with a focus on PTSD and suicide — Atlas Institute 

Note: This podcast episode makes several references to suicide. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being, and pause the episode at any time if you are experiencing distress. Please visit our directory of services if you need support or download our suicide prevention resources for Veterans and Families.

If you are in distress, please call or text 9-8-8 for immediate support.
 
Dennis Mackenzie a perdu dix amis lors de son service en Afghanistan en 2007. Au cours des années qui ont suivi, il en a perdu beaucoup d'autres par suicide. Dennis se consacre maintenant au partage de ses expériences et à la promotion d'une conversation plus ouverte et d'un meilleur soutien autour du suicide dans la communauté des vétérans et des familles.