WARNING: This story comprises frank discussions of suicide.
Playing cards of condolence nonetheless adorn the Gibennus house.
It has been barely three weeks since Ken Gibennus took his personal life. Ken’s dad and mom Bob and Peggy are devastated by how a lot he has suffered.
“The previous couple of years have been hell for him,” Bob stated. “I requested him: ‘Are you serious about suicide?’ He stated, ‘On a regular basis.’
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Ken (50) lived with despair and nervousness. His household stated his psychiatrist had run out of medicine to prescribe and really helpful he see a psychologist. However he was advised he must wait till April to get that appointment.
“It was a Tuesday he bought the decision and Saturday he died,” Bob stated. “He left a really brief word that merely learn: ‘I am sorry. I can not do that anymore.’”
“I help his determination; I do not assume he had every other alternative.”
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Ken Gibennus, in an undated picture.
Courtesy: Gibbenus household
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Ken Gibennus together with his 2 kids, Kendra and Hunter.
Courtesy: Gibbenus household
He was saved on life help lengthy sufficient for his household and his two grown kids to be by his aspect. He died on January 21.
“When it was time to say goodbye, it felt like he lastly bought the peace he wished he might have had. I simply stated, ‘Sleep nicely my candy boy,'” Bob stated.
“We misplaced a phenomenal man and it did not must occur,” stated Peggy. “He felt that the worst a part of all of it was by no means seeing his kids once more.
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“Are you able to think about how a lot he suffered to go away his kids? They have been his world.”
The household is pleading with the province to think about opening up the general public psychological well being system to incorporate non-public suppliers.
“What number of extra lives are going to be misplaced and have the devastation now we have? It is simply not proper and they should clear it up,” Peggy stated.
Colin Aitchison, press secretary for Minister of Psychological Well being and Addictions Nicholas Milliken, stated the provincial authorities is dedicated to supporting the psychological well being of all Albertans.
“That is why the province spends greater than $1 billion yearly on psychological well being and dependancy help, by each the Ministry of Psychological Well being and Habit and Alberta Well being Companies,” Aitchison stated. “We have now additionally expanded digital and in-person counseling companies, notably in rural areas, so that each Albertan can entry inexpensive counseling choices after they want them.”
In accordance with the Calgary govt director of the Canadian Psychological Well being Affiliation, the wait in Alberta’s public system is wherever from six months to 2 years.
“Fifty-four per cent of Albertans final 12 months could not get the assistance they wanted as a result of they could not afford it, as a result of it is not free and it is not common. Somebody has to pay or wait it out,” stated Sara Jordan. “We will do higher.
“Common well being care applies from the neck down, and from there it means now we have entry to emergency rooms and hospitals and drugs, however that is not sufficient,” Jordan stated.
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The CMHA provides free or low-cost remedy and different help applications.
The look forward to Gibennus household didn’t finish with their member of the family’s loss of life. After they went to entry grief counseling by Alberta Well being Companies, they have been advised that the subsequent accessible appointment was months away.
“September 7 was the date. We have now 9 months to attend for grief counseling and Kenny has waited three months. He was completely determined to remain alive,” Peggy stated.
AHS stated in an announcement that there’s a excessive demand for the bereavement help program.
“Ready occasions are longer than we would like them to be. They fluctuate relying on programming and buyer circumstances.
“This system repeatedly displays ready lists and provides purchasers earlier appointments as they grow to be accessible.”
A spokesperson added they’re reaching out to the household to debate their issues in addition to choices accessible to them.
For those who or somebody you understand is in disaster and wishes assist, assets can be found. In case of an emergency, please name 911.
The Canadian Affiliation for Suicide Prevention, Melancholy Hurts and Youngsters Assist Name 1-800-668-6868 – all supply methods to get assist for those who, or somebody you understand, is affected by psychological well being points.
For a listing of help companies in your space, go to the Canadian Affiliation for Suicide Prevention.
Study extra about assist somebody in disaster on the Authorities of Canada web site.
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