Home »
Suicide Awareness Walk offers inclusivity and hope
By Erin Knutson
The second annual Suicide Awareness Walk hosted by ?aqam and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kootenays was an event to be remembered as guests enjoyed a host of activities, door prizes, and barbecue at the College of the Rockies (COTR) track and field area on a hot day (plus 30 C) earlier this September.
“On average, 4500 Canadians commit suicide annually,” according to CMHA Kootenays.
September is officially recognized as the month for mental health awareness and suicide prevention and a time for reflection, remembrance, and a call to action for people to practice acceptance, reduce stigma around mental health issues and offer support to each other in the form of events that allow people to share openly and seek support if needed.
Event organizers ?aqam Life Skills Worker Autumn Patrick and CMHA Kootenays Director of Public Education and Crisis Services Natalie Hake (pictured above) hosted a group of speakers who bravely addressed the topic of suicide. Their courage and wisdom, gained from personal experience with this challenging issue, encouraged hope and empowerment among participants.
Patrick addressed the audience to ensure people were aware of the support available at the event.
“Local resources and hotline numbers are available for individuals to access. Whether it’s counselling, addiction support, postpartum depression, or financial struggles, these resources are here to help. They may not solve all your problems, but they’re a start, and they offer hope and a path to overcoming the dark times,” she said.
Guests had the opportunity to walk or run around the track to honour a loved one or to commemorate someone who has died by suicide.
The inclusive tribute saw a host of families, community organizations, paw support in the form of therapy dogs, and children who enjoyed bouncy castles and face painting – their presence at the event ensured that what might have been a sombre occasion was filled with hope and promise.
“If anyone here is thinking about suicide or is concerned for someone, please reach out,” said Hake on behalf of the CMHA Kootenays, which offers over two dozen programs dedicated to the mental health and wellness of people in the interior and East Kootenay of British Columbia.
The CMHA Kootenays works closely with community partners who believe in crisis services, including the four crisis lines CMHA manages in this region alone.
“We have been hosting crisis services for years, and we are deeply grateful for the passionate support of our community partners in the critical work of suicide awareness and prevention. We are committed to continuing this work with the help of our partners,” she said.
Of the 4,500-plus Canadians that die by suicide every year, that number is a representation of the actual number of suicides or suicide attempts annually, according to Hake.
“Suicide ideation is a dark place, and it’s about bringing awareness and reducing stigma, which is the number one barrier to people accessing support,” said Hake.
For more information about CMHA Kootenays programs and resources, to volunteer for crisis services, or to donate, please get in touch with Natalie at [email protected].
To learn more about ?aqam supports, programs, resources, and services, or for further information about the event or donations, please get in touch with Autumn [email protected]
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the supporters, donors, volunteers, community organizations, partners, and guests who made this event a memorable and impactful one. Your contributions and presence were invaluable and deeply appreciated,” said Hake, acknowledging the community’s role in the event.
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, please get in touch with these 24-hour services:
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- 1-888-353-CARE (2273) for the Crisis Line
- 310-6789 for the Mental Health Crisis Line
- Or 1-800 Suicide (1-800-784-2433) if you would like information, resources, or support during a suicide-related crisis for suicide-specific concerns.
Lead image: Second Annual Suicide Awareness Walk at the College of the Rockies (COTR) track and field on Saturday, September 7. Photos by Erin Knutson
e-KNOW
