Suicide is not something that's talked about much - even though it affects more than 3,500 Canadians (and their families and friends) every year.

Even though talking about it could help save lives.

It's easy to understand why we avoid the subject. Thinking about death is scary enough for many of us; talking about why someone might choose to end his or her own life means confronting intense emotions and overcoming the stigma that suicide is a shameful secret. There's a lot of fear and guilt and blame involved, and a lot of pain.

Sept. 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day. To mark the occasion locally, the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network held two events. In the morning, the NFB film, Drawing from Life, was premiered at the Art Gallery, followed by a panel discussion featuring six people who spoke about the issue and/or their own firsthand experiences with it. Afterwards, folks marched to the Leg to honour those who have died by suicide, and publicly support suicide-prevention efforts.

I found the film particularly moving - definitely worth a watch for anyone interesting in exploring the topic. It documents a 20-week group program at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto for people who have attempted suicide two or more times. We learn almost nothing about the participants' backstories. Instead, Drawing from Life focuses on their struggle to cope with their emotions in healthier ways and, ultimately, to choose life.

Tucked in between poignant revelations (and several laugh-out-loud funny comments) were profound observations, such as the suggestion that "pain needs a voice," or the idea that suicidality is an "emotional bleed;" not visible like a physical wound, but just as potentially damaging and in need of repair.

Post-film, panelists discussed stereotypes about suicide, the barriers to help that exist for those in pain, our tendency to deny that someone we love might be in crisis ("Everyone wants to feel that the people around us are OK," commented Rabbi Neal Rose), and the concept of hope.

"There's this notion that suicidal people don't want to talk about their pain," said sociologist Tracey Peter, who went on to disclose her own past struggles with suicidal thoughts.

She pointed out many people worry that "if we engage in talking about behaviour, they might act on it." (For the record, that's a myth. In fact, suicide-prevention groups recommend being open and direct with people you suspect might be suicidal, up to and including asking them, point-blank, if they're thinking about killing themselves. To learn more about the warning signs of suicide or what you can do to help, check out www.speak-out.ca/need_help.htm)

WSPN co-chair Tim Wall encouraged all Manitobans to "join in the conversation" about suicide and suicide prevention.

"Suicide is everyone's problem and everyone's responsibility," he said.

Talking about suicide is not easy - but our discomfort is not a good enough reason to avoid doing it.

When lives are at stake, silence is the enemy.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there are people who can help. Call the Manitoba Suicide Line at 1-877-435-7170; Klinic's crisis line at 786-8686; Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868; or Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre's Aboriginal crisis support line at 1-888-399-0005.

You are not alone.