Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Tuesday 10 September 2024

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light 2024

 

Today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the start of World Suicide Prevention Week.  I spend time in the dark places myself and know both how fast and easy the plummet to the bottom can be and how very hard it is to see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel much less climb out again. 

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, the LGBTQI community, people with mental health issues, farmers, tradesmen, the unemployed, and the military.  Sadly we lose many more of our military personnel (serving and veterans) to suicide than we do in the theatre of war.  While we still lose more men to suicide than women, the numbers of women who die by suicide is climbing (an equality I don't want). 

Our suicide rate isn't the highest in the world but the rate in Australia is above the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global average.

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 additional 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.  Some centres start their walk later (ten or eleven) to attract more people and publicity.  I can see why, but am glad that our walks start in the dark.

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.  Right or 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.  In addition there is strong evidence that if someone close to you dies by suicide your own chances of taking that path are dramatically increased.  

I couldn't attend the first walk, but have gone on all the subsequent walks.
 
This year the walk started from the National Carillon again. This morning I headed off again before dawn, grateful for the opportunity.The dread disease slows me down, ensures my gait is wobbly and uneven and is painful.  The issue is much more important than I am.    So I walked.  Slowly just as I do every year.  Stopping to take photos.

There were brief speeches.  Some of the names those lost were read out - which I find moving.  Sadly the list grows each year.  As I have done for a number of years, I added the name of the father of a friend of mine.  His family understood why he took that step but continue to mourn and grieve for the opportunity lost to say goodbye.  This ceremony means that people are no longer nameless, but identified and missed. The names were read out by a local politician.
 
This morning we were again given a song.  A song written by a talented performer and tagged as a favourite by someone later died by suicide in the studio in which it was created.
 
Tears were shed.  Tears were shared.


Come walk with me, through the chilly dawn, into the hopeful light of a new day (culminating in a cuppa with the other walkers).


The empty chairs from other years have been replaced with candles to symbolise the light(s) lost.  This year we ran out of candles.  Which is sad and bad.






















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




Some services and links which may be useful for Australian readers include:
Lifeline 1311 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

78 comments:

  1. What a wonderful compassionate post. My social worker daughter worked the suicide hot line for several years. She would agreee with you 100%. I will forward this to her.
    A big hug for caring about others in this world where few seem to do so.

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    1. The Blog Fodder: Thank you. Please let me know what your daughter thinks about the post and the initiative.

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  2. It was a hard read, as it always is but so important. I thank you for participating once again and writing about the event. And the photos too, of course.

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    1. Andrew: As you know it is a cause very dear to my heart and I hope to continue to participate for years to come.

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  3. Please allow me instead of many words to just wrap you virtually into my arms, Sue!

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  4. Virtual hugs from me too and thank you. I know how hard this is for you. I have a friend who is constantly self-harming and sometimes says he wants to end it all. So far, his doctors, a psychologist and myself have managed to talk him out of it.

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    1. River: Thank you. It is hard, but more than worth the effort. I am so glad that your friend has the support he needs and know that you are a big part of that.

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  5. A wonderful post EC. Hope you are ok!

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    1. Margaret D: Thank you. I am tired still but glad I went.

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  6. Hi EC - as always written with compassion and understanding ... we've had it in our family ... so I so appreciate your post. It's essential to think of others and spend a little extra time with them when necessary ... and try to understand them. With thoughts - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Too many people know this scourge. Listening is hugely important.

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  7. So sad. I had a friend take her life and it was shocking.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: It is shocking and that shock stays with too many of us.

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  8. Thank you for this moving post and the work you do. I have friends who have lost family members to suicide. One of the most difficult, traumatic losses to come to terms with.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: Thank you. I am not sure that we do come to terms with it. We (mostly) learn to live with it.

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  9. Thank you for all you do to help with people in crisis. I know a few people who have taken their own life, and it's always really really sad. Thank you also for letting me go on the walk with you.

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    1. DJan: I am very glad to share a walk with you - though I suspect I moved too slowly.

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  10. A touching testimonial hat is sad in so many ways, but also uplifting. Thanks for being you.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): I hope that all the participants found it uplifting. Thank you.

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  11. Something so easy RU OK? A beautiful backdrop, the National Carillon and the sounds and lights along the way truly capturing loss and life. So unfortunate the numbers are rising, having felt my own darkness that can rear its head too often than not, I can shed hope for others and share sadness in their feelings of being alone, unable to escape emotional havoc. Thank you for mustering the walk in support, sure there was a special energy returned. Truly hope it holds you tight when called upon. Loved to have walked with you. 💕😔💔✴️

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    1. Cj: Thank you. Shedding hope is a wonderful thought and I would be glad and proud to walk with you.

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  12. Wonderful post, Sue. Suicide is so very sad. You know you have to be at the bottom of the barrel to contemplate it. Thank you and the other volunteers that do this work. It's so very important. Sometimes you just need someone that cares to talk to, don't you? Hugs Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com

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    1. Sandra Cox: Some one to talk to, and more importantly some one to listen is hugely important.

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    2. That's for sure. Sandra

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    3. Sandra Cox: Hugs. And thank you.

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  13. I skimmed an excellent article the other day about trying to find ways to help people that don't end up with them locked up and their dignity in shreds. Unfortunately, many feel that's the only thing which will happen to them if they admit what they are going through.

    Thank you for doing this work, it's worth it as I'm sure you know.

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    1. messymimi: There is no one size solution fits all to the problem, but taking away people's dignity is a rotten place to start. Definitely worth it. Always.

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  14. It is wonderful that you dedicate your time to such an important cause. It is heartbreaking to think that there are so many people out there who feel so alone and sad (even when sometimes surrounded loved ones) that they feel the need to take their own lives.

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    1. Hena Tayeb: Thank you. It is indeed heartbreaking.

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  15. Thank you for sharing this. I'm thinking of a cousin today.

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  16. Your photos are evocative, as usual and I think the symbolism of starting in the dark is powerful.
    It's gutsy of youto undertake this walk every year, which I know is a measure of how important it is to you.
    Thank you for all you do in relation to assisting in mental health support and advocacy

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    1. kylie: The symbolism of starting in the dark is very powerful. Yesterday at least we moved into a bright and beautiful morning. This is indeed hugely important to me and I hope to continue to bring up the tail end of the walk for many years to come.

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  17. A wonderful post.
    Well done for participating once again in this event and for highlighting world suicide prevention day.

    There were news articles on various media outlets here in the UK and it is a subject that needs to be talked about.

    Mental health issues sadly are a growing problem and affects young and old. For many it still seems a taboo subject and that isn't right.

    Sending my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member~Jan: I firmly believe that things hidden in the dark have a tendency to fester and grow. We are finally talking more about mental health issues and suicide. Steps have been taken. Strides are needed.

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  18. Hopefully there is a good support system for all the volunteers.

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    1. Mike: We have an excellent support system. For which I am thankful.

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  19. River Fairchild- As I’ve mentioned before, I continue to be in awe of how much you do for your community and how much you care for the wellbeing of the people around you. Please continue to be a light in the darkness, for those who cannot find the spark for themselves. You are so important, not just to those you physically interact with, but your larger stage here in the digital community as well. I know I speak for many others besides myself when I tell you that I’m honored to know you.

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    1. River Fairchild: I really don't know what to say. Thank you. So much.
      I do love the community I have found in the blogosphere.

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  20. Thank you for writing this lovely and poignant post. Loneliness is an epidemic in the U.S. and I'm certain it's a big contributor to suicide. At least two students from my high school graduating class of 1977 have taken their own lives--the first a handsome, intelligent young man who died only a couple of years after we graduated, and the second killed herself a couple of months ago. I remember her as a lively, popular, pretty girl. I have seen the darkness and been tempted many times. At age 65, I'm still here in spite of the sadness.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: I am sure you are right. Loneliness underpins most of the calls made to LL I believe and it is certainly a contributor to suicide. I am sorry that it has touched you so closely and understand that temptation.

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  21. That is a beautiful, sad, poetic and perhaps healing walk. Suicide has come close to my family and friends and is so heart breaking. People who work to save people are doing good work.

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    1. Terra: Thank you. I am glad to say that there are a lot of us doing what we can to help people who are considering suicide. Hard work, but very valuable. Yesterday's walk was meaningful and I hope and believe uplifting.

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  22. Deep meaning quotation for reflecting. Hope everything would be okay..

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    1. Mbul Kecil: Thank you. I believe this is a healing walk - though my heart was tugged by the young woman wearing a sign that said 'I am walking for Nanny'.

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  23. Thanks, EC. A hugely important and thought provoking post. You and others like you do such an amazing job. Thank goodness you are there for people who need you. Many congratulations on the walk again, particularly with your health difficulties.
    It is a shaming statistic and one which should be more of a priority.
    Thank you for sharing and making us all think.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. I am appalled at how many people die by suicide and heartened by just how many people care.

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  24. I just read overall in US Suicide is the 11th most common cause of death, with cancer being number 1. Good for you walking into the light again, despite the troubles MS causes you walking.

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    1. Strayer: It is a cause very dear to my heart and I will keep walking for as long as I can.

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  25. Thanks for this Sue. I came close myself many years ago now and have witnessed friends' suicides which haunt me. And thankfully averted a few also. Thanks for taking me along on this important walk of awareness. We need to remember them, and realize many of us have suffered in this darkness and remember also there can be light and will be with support.
    Thanks for all you do.
    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: There were lots of people there - but they did not walk alone. Like you I have come close to taking that final step which is part of the reason the cause is so very important to me.

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  26. Sue, you wrote this post so well. Truly a good post. I had no idea about the ages. Interesting and like you, I also don't think all suicide is wrong and also hope it's not the first choice.

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    1. The Happy Whisk: It is such a final choice that I really, really hope it is not the first. And thank you.

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  27. Aunque la tasa de suicidios en España no son muy altas comparadas con otros países, últimamente el gobierno dio la alerta de que entre los jóvenes con edad comprendida entre los 15 y 29 años, desde la pandemia han ido subiendo año tras año, hasta convertirse en la tercera causa de muerte en grupos de la misma edad, así como también está subiendo más en mujeres que en hombres.
    Pueden ser tantas y tan diferentes las causas que lleven a ellos, que eso los hace más difícil de detectar, por lo que me parece muy encomiable la labor que lleváis a cabo y esas salidas que hacéis poniéndoles nombre a cada uno de ellos, y porque todo es cuestión de remover conciencias y con ello lo conseguis.
    Un fuerte abrazo, amiga Sue, y gracias por implicarte en tan preocupante asunto.

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    1. Manuel: 'Although the suicide rate in Spain is not very high compared to other countries, the government recently warned that among young people between the ages of 15 and 29, since the pandemic they have been increasing year after year, until they become the third cause of death in groups of the same age, as well as increasing more in women than in men.
      The causes that lead to them can be so many and so different, that this makes them more difficult to detect, which is why I find the work you carry out and those outings that you do giving names to each one of them very commendable, and because It's all about stirring consciences and with that you achieve it.
      A big hug, friend Sue, and thank you for getting involved in such a worrying matter.'
      Thank you Manuel. There are of course names we don't have, but they are all mourned and missed.

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  28. To be in community with others on such a day must have been very moving, indeed. Thank you for posting. x

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    1. Bea: It is very moving - and beautiful. Sad, yes but there is also hope.

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  29. This is such an important cause and life literally depends on it. I am glad to know folks such as yourself champion it, especially reading your personal story a while ago.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: How could I not champion this cause and reach out to others who go down the same path I so nearly took?

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  30. Thank you for all you do, and my thanks to all the other volunteers who take their calls. I am very thankful that people who are feeling at their lowest ebb have this lifeline. Bless you all for being there.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. It is a privilege to be allowed to be there in people's hours (and hours) of need.

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  31. Thank you for this important post! Your heart is always in the right place. Dear friend. Aloha

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    1. Cloudia: This cause is very dear to my heart. Very, very dear.

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  32. This article beautifully highlights the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day and the work being done by Lifeline Australia. The symbolism of walking from darkness into light is deeply moving, and the effort to raise awareness while honoring those lost is incredibly important.

    I just published a new blog post. Check it out here: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/09/9-ways-to-get-rid-of-dry-skin.html. Would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share it if you find it useful.

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    1. MELODY JACOB: Thank you. The symbolism means a lot to me too - and this walk cleared to a beautiful and sunny day. More powerful symbolism.

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  33. Did you see that Bon Jovi and a woman with him talked a jumper down?
    Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com

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  34. Thank you for all that you and the others do.

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  35. What a beautiful, tragic, and hopeful post, Sue! Thank you for sharing your post, its beautiful pictures, and the help lines.We need to reach out to the people we know and love to make sure they are okay. You never know what might be going on inside. If I were in Canberra, I would be happy and proud to walk with you. ❤️ 🙏🏼

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    1. Fundy Blue: I would be very, very happy to walk with you. Thankk you.

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  36. As you know, I am very lazy. But this very walk I'd like to do with you. ;-)

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    1. Sean Jeating: You lazy? You surprise me. I would be happy to walk with you though.

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  37. What a wonderfully meaningful walk! Your photos showed the progression beautifully. I'm sure that in your volunteer work, you've helped many people take that first step toward the light.

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    1. Diane Henders: Thank you. I hope so. I really hope so. I am not long home from a shift on the phones now.

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  38. This symbolic walk is so poignant and powerful, as are your words.

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    1. Kim: Thank you. It is a very, very moving morning.

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