Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
One of the biggest pains a family member can experience is the grief of losing a loved one to suicide.
This year, Always Find a Reason to Smile Suicide Awareness and Prevention is hosting Welcoming the Light Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk on Aug. 31 to help serve as a tribute and memorial to those who have been lost to suicide.
“A death by suicide is often stigmatized as an ‘offense’’ and therefore leaves people feeling ashamed of how their loved one died,” says Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention North Peace Coordinator Casey Szmata.
“We provide a safe place to grieve, where no judgement exists, and people are able to bond with others who are living through the tragedy of losing someone.”
Szmata says the walk is always held on the September long weekend and participants can meet at the Group Camping Area at Lac Cardinal, also known as Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park.
This will be the 8th annual walk, and it participants are to meet at 6:30 am.
Szmata says they begin the walk early in the morning to signify stepping out of the darkness and into the light.
Participants will walk, then have a memorial, and then join together for a pancake breakfast.
“We need to continue normalizing mental health issues and recognizing that suicide occurs when there are mental health issues present,” she explains. “It can happen to anyone, and we need to ensure that people are aware of what to watch for when dealing with people who suffer from depression and other issues. It is important that people know that those we lost were deeply loved and cared about.”
Szmata says that suicide is an epidemic in Alberta, especially in the northern communities.
“Our goal is to make people aware, and eventually train as many people as possible to knowing the risks and signs that someone might be in danger,” she says. “Living in our region, there is a lack of mental health resources. Also, many people live remotely and do not engage with other people as often as they probably need to.”
She says there will be a very special component to the walk with a memorial set up to display pictures of family and friends who have been lost to suicide.
“This is a day that every survivor can remember their loved one without shame, and with only love,” she says. “Almost everyone knows someone who has taken their life, or a family left to pick up the pieces. We feel once a year that helping these people to grieve and to remember is extremely important.”
Szmata urges people to attend if they are able, she says it’s an opportunity to help others in their grieving process and it helps to shine a light on a conversation that is often very difficult to have.
“I think people get busy in their own lives and forget that suicide happens every day, to anyone,” she says.
“I think its important that we support each other in life. I think that is what we are here to do. “
The walk is free and will be a morning to help people ease some of the pain they are facing.
If you require assistance or guidance, or would like some more information on the walk, please reach out to the Resources Centre for Suicide Prevention at 825-238-0038.