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Taking the suicide threat seriously
Mac Olsen
for Spotlight
Barbara Lamoureux has made it her mission to spread the message about suicide prevention and her tool is the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program.
“Don’t stay silent and know that you can make a difference,” she says.
Lamoureux was at the Elks Hall in High Prairie April 15 to discuss the program, which was part of a series of presentations she made in the region during the week. The victim services units for High Prairie and the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council (LSLIRC) invited her.
Lamoureux has suffered tragedy, as her stepson Louis Lamour- eux, committed suicide in 1995 over the breakup with his girlfriend.
She found out about the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program in 1997, as the family of Mike Emme in Colorado lost their son to suicide in 1994 for the same reason. They developed the program in his memory and she asked them to bring it to Canada.
Lamoureux has developed her own pamphlet based on their program and has card with a commemoration to her stepson in it, as well as a little yellow ribbon to give out. The pamphlet has tips about the warning signs of suicide, risk factors, coping strategies, etc.
Lamoureux travels across Canada to promote the message of suicide prevention and she piques the audience’s interest with personal stories.
“It’s the personal stories that people really remember,” says Lamoureux.
She also says offering personal stories is one of the compelling aspects of her presentations.
Moreover, many of the people who receive her card still have them when she makes return visits.
“It’s amazing the number of people who still have the card. The card is a simple tool to help them. The message of the card is, there’s help out there and there’s people who really do care about them.”
Youth recognize the warning signs of suicide and it is important to listen to them, she adds.
For Lamoureux, despite someone’s apprehension or misgivings about helping others who have suicidal tendencies, their intervention is paramount
“Even though it’s a difficult subject to discuss, it’s important to convey the message there is help and hope. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Suicide prevention is away to buy time to build hope.”
For people wishing to get her materials, please call the High Prairie and District Victims Assistance Society at 780-523-3490 or the LSLIRC Victim Services office in Slave Lake at 780-849-1030.
Warning signs
* Abrupt changes in personality.
* Giving away possessions.
* Previous suicide attempts.
* Use of drugs and/or alcohol.
* Depression, lack of self-esteem.
* Withdrawal from people, especially close friends, family and/or favourite activities.
* Change in eating and sleeping patterns.
* Chronic pain.
* Restlessness – inability to concentrate.
Coping strategies
* Try to be open with your feelings.
* Spend time with family and friends.
* Consider the importance of spirituality in your life.
* Get involved with after-school activities.
* Accept other’s thanks, compliments and praise.
* Plan your future and set realistic goals.
* Volunteer – you have a lot to offer.
* Exercise regularly and eat right. Chocolate is good.
* Read subjects that interest you.
* Laugh and keep your sense of humour.
* Do not tolerate physical, emotional or sexual abuse from anyone. Get help immediately.
* Seek help if you feel overwhelmed or troubled.
* Needing help is not failing, it is simply being human.
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Barbara Lamoureux advocates suicide prevention and has created her own Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevent Program materials. She made presentation at
the Elks Hall in High Prairie April 15 as part of a series of presentations in the area.
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