WARNING: This story openly discusses suicide.
Cards of condolence still adorn the Gibenes home.
It’s been barely three weeks since Ken Gibbons took his own life. Ken’s parents, Bob and Peggy, have gone through a lot, leaving him devastated.
Bob said, “The last few years have really been hell for him.” “I asked him: ‘Do you think about suicide?’ He said: ‘All the time.’
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Ken, 50, lived with depression and anxiety. His family said that his psychiatrist did not have medications to prescribe and recommended he see a psychologist. But he was told that he would have to wait till April to get the appointment.
“It was a Tuesday when he got the call and he passed away on Saturday,” Bob said. “He left a very brief note that simply read, ‘I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore.'”
“I support his decision; I don’t think they had any other option.”
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Ken Gibbens, in an undated photo.
Credit: Gibbons Family
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Ken Gibbons with his 2 children, Kendra and Hunter.
Credit: Gibbons Family
He was kept on life support long enough that his family and his two adult children could be with him. He died on 21 January.
“When it came time to say goodbye, it seemed like he finally got the peace he wanted. I just said, ‘Sleep well my dear boy,'” Bob said.
Peggy said, “We lost a beautiful person and this should not have happened.” “He realized that the worst part of it all would be never seeing his children again.
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“Can you imagine how much she suffered to leave her children? They were his world.
The family is urging the province to consider opening up the public mental health system to include private providers.
“How many more lives are going to be lost and we have devastation? It’s not quite right and they have to clean it up,” Peggy said.
Colin Aitchison, press secretary to Mental Health and Addictions Minister Nicholas Milliken, said the provincial government is committed to supporting the mental health of all Albertans.
“This is why the province spends more than $1 billion each year on mental health and addiction support through both the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction and Alberta Health Services,” Aitchison said. “We have also expanded virtual and in-person counseling services, especially in rural areas, so that every Albertan can access affordable counseling options when they need it.”
According to the Calgary executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, the wait in Alberta’s public system is anywhere from six months to two years.
“Twenty-four per cent of Albertans last year didn’t get the help they needed because they couldn’t afford it, because it’s not free and not universal. Someone needs to pay for it or wait, Sarah Jordan said. “We can do better.
“Universal health care applies from the neck down, and from there it means we have access to emergency rooms and hospitals and medicine, but it’s not enough,” Jordan said.
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CMHA Provides free or low-cost medical and other assistance programs.
The wait for the Gibbens family did not end with the death of their family member. When he went to get grief counseling through Alberta Health Services, he was told the next available appointment was months later.
“September 7 was the date. We have nine months to attend bereavement counseling and Kenny has three months to wait. He was absolutely desperate to stay alive,” Peggy said.
The AHS said in a statement that there is a high demand for the bereavement support program.
“The waiting time is longer than we would like. They differ depending on the programming and circumstances of the client.
“The program continually monitors the waiting list and offers clients earlier appointments when they become available.”
A spokesperson said they are reaching out to the family to discuss their concerns as well as the options available to them.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, there are resources available. In case of emergency, please call 911.
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, depression hurts And kids help phone 1-800-668-6868 — Provides all ways to get help if you, or someone you know, is suffering from a mental health issue.
For a directory of support services in your area, visit Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention,
Learn more about how to help someone in crisis Government of Canada website,
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