Out of the Shadows, Into the Light 2016

World Suicide Prevention Week started on Monday.  Today, September 10th, is World Sucide Prevention Day. 

Most of you know I do voluntary work with Lifeline Australia, a telephone crisis line.  Almost everyone who rings those lines with thoughts of suicide has at least a degree of ambivalence.  I, and all the other volunteers, will work on that ambivalence to keep the caller safe for the moment/the day and to help them see and consider other options.   Lifeline believes that suicide is often preventable and that the start of the journey to safety can be only a phone call away.  It is often a long and painful journey but should never ever be one that people feel condemned to walk alone.

Here in Australia suicide is still the leading cause of death for people aged under 44.  More people die from suicide each year than are killed on the roads.  Sadly the numbers of people we lose to suicide are rising again.  Which, given that I suspect suicide is under reported, is scary.

Not only does suicide take its toll on our young, there are other groups who are over-represented in its tragic ranks including (but not limited to) our indigenous population, people with mental health issues, farmers, and the military.  We lose more of our veterans (and those still serving) to suicide than we do in combat. 

In 2011 Lifeline began  national suicide prevention walks - 'Out of the Shadows and into the Light'. The walks begin before dawn and continue into the growing light.  It remembers those lost and those bereaved by suicide, with an addition focus on raising awareness.  The symbolism of starting the walk in the dark and progressing into the light of a new day means a lot to me.

I don't think that all suicide is wrong.  However, it is such a final decision that I hope it is not the first option considered or tried.  And, as a solution to a temporary problem, I do think it is wrong.  It is always a tragedy.  A tragedy for the person who had, or believed they had, no other options and a tragedy for those they leave behind.  And the ripples from that tragedy encompass a lot of people.  Research shows that each time someone suicides, there are up to 135 people affected.  

I couldn't attend the first walk, but have gone on the subsequent walks. Which saw me heading off again before dawn this morning.  The dread disease means that I am not walking easily or well at the moment - but I didn't care.  The issue is much more important than I am.    So I walked.  Slowly, at the back of the pack.  Stopping to take photos.

This year we again started from our National War Memorial and did a loop down Anzac Parade towards Lake Burley Griffin and back to the War Memorial.  Our Parliament House is directly opposite on the other side of the lake. 

There were brief speeches.  Some of the names of those lost were read out - which I find moving.  No longer nameless, but identified and missed...  I added the name of the father of a friend to the list.  Illness and disability had made his life intolerable.  His family understood, but grieve.

The skies opened this morning.  Buckets of rain.  Tears from the sky?  Come walk with me, through the cool, wet and cloudy dawn, into the hopeful light of a new day.

The empty seats were reserved for those who have gone before us.

RU OK day is also celebrated in World Suicide Prevention Week.  A question we should be asking family, friends and colleagues every day.

Some services which may be useful for Australian readers include:

Lifeline 1311 14

Beyond Blue

Suicide Call Back Service