Medicine Hat reeling from multiple suicides in recent months

By 660 NEWS Staff

MEDICINE HAT (660 NEWS) – Since the end of May, Medicine Hat has lost seven men to suicide.

The time frame of these suicides has many concerned and asking why.

Medicine Hat Mayor Ted Clugston says while it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason for the suicides, he does believe the pandemic is a contributing factor.

“The isolation has led to some of these problems. I don’t think it’s the be all end all because everyone is looking for a why, but I do think that some of the isolation has resulted in increased stress, fear, and anxiety,” Clugston said.

RELATED: World Suicide Prevention Day given new urgency by COVID-19 pandemic

He says although it’s somewhat difficult to track the numbers of suicides in their area, the numbers they have discovered are still staggering.

“It’s been more like seven since the end of May, first of June. It’s difficult because some families have been very open about and it and some have just wanted the privacy.

“Calgary is 20 times (the size) of Medicine Hat. Imagine if 140 young men took their own lives in the last three months in Calgary,” he added.

“That would be quite the epidemic. I just want to put that into perspective of how serious that is.”

Clugston says Medicine Hat is the same as any municipality when it comes to suicide prevention, and it’s not always a lack of help but a lack of willingness to ask for it.

According to Statistics Canada, men between the ages of 40 and 60 are at a higher risk of committing suicide than any other demographic.

In honour of the seven men lost and to help spread suicide awareness, a silent vigil is taking place Thursday evening in Medicine Hat.

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