By 1075 Beach Radio Vernon/Tom Mark

Crisis lines busy after Bourdain suicide

Jun 8, 2018 | 2:05 PM

VERNON — The suicide today of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and the death earlier this week of fashion designer Kate Spade has sparked new discussions about depression and suicide.

Julia Payson, Executive Director of the Vernon branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association says it’s example the illness doesn’t discriminate.

“For many of us who have been close to someone or lost someone we know that suicide happens and that we know it’s a real risk out there. But when we see losses like this it’s a true reminder of the impact this illness can have on someone’s life.”

Payson encourages people to  ask about warning signs and seek out information because that may save a life.

“The most important thing for people who have been ill enough for this to have been a risk is that they keep asking for help. And the important thing is for all of us to know that asking someone about suicide and talking to people about suicide, that’s not something that causes suicide.”

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She encourages people to go to the CMHA website askaboutsuicide.ca to learn the warning signs of suicide.

Crisis lines around North America are seeing an increase in calls today, something Julia Payson says happens here too.

“I welcome an increase in calls because what it means to me is that when people are affected by this that they are reaching out, they are getting help and they are getting support and that is the only way we can really help combat this and stop from losing people.”

Julia Payson says it’s important to let people know you’re there for them.

The crisis line number is 1-888 – 353 -2273.