We generally can't really know for certain why people might choose to take their own lives. But we can certainly reach out to offer them support and let them know they are not alone.
The fourth annual Walk in Memory Walk for Hope, which is free to attend, takes place this Saturday, Sept. 10 in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day. The idea behind the local event is to raise awareness not only about the stigma of suicide, but also to express solidarity and let people who might be struggling with depression know they are not alone, said Cherie Johnson, the event's coordinator as well as the children, youth and family program coordinator at Greenwood Neighbourhood Place.
“Our community benefits from something like this coming together,” she told the Round Up.
Such an event brings people together towards common goals like suicide prevention, healing and overall wellness. Although suicide is not endemic in Sundre, it is “an unfortunate part of our reality. It's not something that we're hearing about every week or maybe every month, but it's there, kind of lurking in the background,” she said.
Suicide might not be the easiest topic of discussion, but it must nevertheless be talked about and confronted. Someone who is contemplating or who has even attempted to take his or her own life should not be ashamed, and neither should anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide, she said.
“I think some people may feel alone in these situations,” she said, adding there are those who are willing to help others who are experiencing such an ordeal.
“People aren't alone going through this; there is support.”
Although GNP does not have its own resources to provide a local suicide prevention support network, staff will refer anyone who needs assistance, she said.
Walk in Memory Walk for Hope is put together by a committee that works collaboratively with GNP as well as with support from some local businesses. While donations are always welcome, the event is not about raising funds but rather awareness and support. Cards and bracelets with emergency contact phone numbers such as 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE) will be distributed, she said.
The event starts with registration at about 11 a.m. at the Sundre Elks Lodge, followed by presentations at 11:30 a.m. as well as lunch and an opportunity to visit at noon. The event wraps up with a drumming ceremony and balloon release at 1 p.m. Organizers would prefer to successfully reach a few people rather than have a massive turnout with no effect, she said.
“Even if only 10 people show up at the event and are touched, you feel like you've completed what you set out to do.”
According to an Alberta Health Services press release, the internationally recognized suicide prevention day is designed to raise awareness and dispel some of the myths related to suicide.
“Suicide affects people of all ages and genders. Each year more Albertans die by suicide than motor vehicle collisions. As a result, many Albertans have been impacted by losing someone to suicide,” it reads.
“Suicide is a preventable tragedy that starts with learning how to recognize the signs that someone may be suicidal. Although not all people show warning signs, most suicidal people show signs of their distress. Being aware of these signs can help someone identify and talk to a person at risk.”
Some suicide warning signs include the following: talking about suicide or a plan; making statements about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness; showing a loss of interest in pleasurable activities; and personality changes.
Talking to a friend or family member who might be suicidal does not instill the idea in their head. Rather, being able to openly discuss suicide allows that person to know you care and can make a difference. Suicidal people are in pain and want their pain to end, but do not necessarily want to die. Talking about suicide provides a clearer picture of how the person feels so they can get the help they need, said AHS.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call: Health Link at 811, or one of the following help lines: Addiction Help Line, 1-866-332-2322; Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-387-5437; Family Violence, 310-1818; Kids Help Phone, 1-800-668-6868; Mental Health Help Line, 1-877-303-2642 and Suicide Prevention, 1-800-784-2433. GNP can also be reached at 403-638-1011.
