Suicide awareness event held in Cadillac By Antonio Coleman CADILLAC — A trail of white balloons could be seen soaring high above Cadillac Saturday, bearing the written names of loved ones whose lives were impacted by suicide. The balloon-filled sky marked the finale of an event meant to raise community awareness of the issue of suicide. Walkers gathered near the downtown city park at 10 a.m. for the annual Suicide Awareness Walk. Beginning at the Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion, walkers journeyed to the bridge to tie ribbons bearing the names of family members and release dozens of balloons. September is suicide prevention month. Leilani Kitler, coordination for the Suicide Prevention Coalition, said suicide has impacted too many people in Wexford County. “I think there are things that we can do to prevent it and to make people aware that they have power in their words to help other people who have pain and distress,” Kitler said. Kitler said one of the biggest misconceptions people have regarding suicide prevention is the belief that it’s healthier to avoid discussing issues that may cause depression. However, she said the more a person is willing to acknowledge their feelings, the better their chances for resolving their depression. “Finding someone to talk to is the best resource for intervention,” Kitler said. “Have a relationship with a trusting and caring person who respects your feelings. That might mean finding a friend, a family member or a professional.” Community members took to the pavilion to speak to walkers about how suicide had personally impacted their own lives and resources for overcoming depression and feelings of sadness. Darlene Clark, a resident of Cadillac who spoke during the walk, said people should continue to love those who have died due to suicide and to not be judgmental. “Deep inside, you’re in a black cloud and you’re really depressed. All you can think at that point is how you can get out of that,” Clark said. “A lot of us have fought it until we can’t fight it anymore.” More than 90 people participated in the weekend awareness walk. Kitler said although the number of participates in the walk was similar to last year, organizers plan to continue growing the walk’s outreach efforts. “It’s about the same number of participants this year, but we have bigger goals for what we want to do, the information we want to get out and the other agencies we want to get involved,” Kitler said. Clark said the walk was a great way to support one another and show love for those who passed away. Each year, the goals of the walk are to bring awareness to suicide, be an aid to prevention and provide a opportunity for friends and family of loved ones who have committed suicide a chance to mourn and remember in a communal way. Ribbons placed on the bridge will remain on the bridge until today.
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 19:28:53 +0000
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