About SAM
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SAM;
The name comes from a conversation between two men; speaking on all the positive things they were invovled in and the impact they were having in the community on suicide prevention and mental illness. They were creating a change in the conversation & approach to suicide prevention. One of the men had suggested a movement was developing;
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Suicide Awareness Movement
was created in July 2017 After Derek shared his story for the first time getting the opportunity and encouragement from Dana M to speak at the 3rd annual suicide awareness cruise presented by the Didsbury Car Club of Alberta.
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Bringing People Together
To create conversations and help end the stigma around mental illness and suicide through events, fundraising and sharing our stories with others.
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SAM was originally created
As a social media platform for Derek to share his story, to help those struggling understand they are not alone and for a better understanding of mental illness as well as the events, fundraising, and our #RacingToSaveLives program.
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It has since grown
Into a bigger platform; continuing to share our story, while encouraging others to share theirs.
We have reached 1000's of Canadians through involvement in various events, fundraisng, and social media content and activities.
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Moving Forward
We intend to continue sharing our story creating change in the way we speak about, approach and understand mental illness. Continue bringing people together to show those who may be struggling with their mental health that they are not alone, while empowering others to share their story. With hopes of providing a better understanding and reducing the stigma around mental illness & suicide.
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Derek Giffin
Suicide Prevention Speaker + Mental Health Advocate
I began sharing my story and journey as a Suicide Prevention Speaker + Mental Health Advocate in 2017, after a number of failed suicide attempts and the death of my mother. I am continuing to grow and share as I learn to cope through the loss of my child. With the goal of helping others know they are not alone and tools to cope through difficult life challenges we all face.
Collapsible content
CTV News Inspiring Albertan Bell Lets Talk Day Segment
#RacingToSaveLives
Racing To Save Lives
Featured On CTV News Inspiring Alberta - Bell Lets Talk Day Segment
"Darrel Janz speaks with the stock car racer who is raising awareness for mental health after a number of suicide attempts."
We proudly donated our 100% of our race winnings to the Didsbury Car Club Of Alberta to continue everything they do for Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention - Put The Star On Your Car Campaign.
Men4MentalHealth Discussion On Suicide & Suicide Prevention
COMING SOON
Proceeds from the sale of our products helps us grow, continuing to get our message to those who need it most. While helping us meet our fundraising goals for youth organizations, and to continune to allow SAM to Get Involved, Have Fun & Raise Awareness, helping to put an End To The Stigma associated with Mental Illness and Suicide.
Understanding Mental Illness
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Understanding Negative Thinking Patterns
Negative Thinking Patterns can be difficult to recognize, because they have been instilled into our thought processes typically beginning from a young age, reinforced overtime through trauma, abuse, addiction, difficult...
Understanding Negative Thinking Patterns
Negative Thinking Patterns can be difficult to recognize, because they have been instilled into our thought processes typically beginning from a young age, reinforced overtime through trauma, abuse, addiction, difficult...
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Understanding BPD - Borderline Personality Diso...
Those living with BPD struggle with their emotions, leading to complications with impulses, relationships and self-harm, BPD is a complex and serious mental health disorder. Those with BPD often feel...
Understanding BPD - Borderline Personality Diso...
Those living with BPD struggle with their emotions, leading to complications with impulses, relationships and self-harm, BPD is a complex and serious mental health disorder. Those with BPD often feel...
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S.A.D - Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
S.A.D - Seasonal affective disorder, Changes in seasons (including environment, weather and time) can effect our Mental Health, causing depression and other symptoms that can lead to serious concerns. S.A.D typically...
S.A.D - Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
S.A.D - Seasonal affective disorder, Changes in seasons (including environment, weather and time) can effect our Mental Health, causing depression and other symptoms that can lead to serious concerns. S.A.D typically...
Coping Skills & Tools
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Breaking Your Own Rules
STOP BEING SO HARD ON YOURSELF If you make one mistake that does not make you a bad person. We tend to be extremely hard on ourselves with our negative...
Breaking Your Own Rules
STOP BEING SO HARD ON YOURSELF If you make one mistake that does not make you a bad person. We tend to be extremely hard on ourselves with our negative...
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Deescalating Our Thoughts
Our Thoughts is a response to a situation, it create Emotions and instigates our Behaviors. Having negative thoughts can sometimes create and lead to a lot of anxiety in our...
Deescalating Our Thoughts
Our Thoughts is a response to a situation, it create Emotions and instigates our Behaviors. Having negative thoughts can sometimes create and lead to a lot of anxiety in our...
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Write Down Your Thoughts
We often do not even realize we have Negative Thoughts By writing down our thoughts it will help us recognize and understand more about our Negative Thinking Patterns and how it effects...
Write Down Your Thoughts
We often do not even realize we have Negative Thoughts By writing down our thoughts it will help us recognize and understand more about our Negative Thinking Patterns and how it effects...
When you use our products it creates an environment that shows someone you care about what they are going through, allowing them to feel comfortable about opening up to you.