By Bonny Burrows
It’s an issue not often talked about, but two local paramedics are hoping to start a conversation about the devastation of depression and suicide in a bid to erase community stigma.
As ambos, Jo Algie and Anthea Chester know all too well the lasting impact suicide can have on one’s family and first responders.
They also know the importance of bringing the conversation on the often taboo subject into the light.
“The big thing is to take away the stigma and talk about it. It’s so important people (with depression or who have been touched by suicide) talk … but they don’t,” Ms Algie said.
In a bid to erase the stigma and increase community conversation, the two ambos have taken over this year’s Out of the Shadows walk for suicide awareness.
The annual walk, held in Kooweerup, aims to unite residents touched by the tragedy in the hope they realise they are not alone.
This year’s event, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday 10 September, will see community members from all walks of life participate in an easy 1km walk/run or ride to “raise awareness, remember those lost to suicide and unite in a commitment to prevent further deaths by suicide”.
For the first time, participants will this year wear coloured ribbons to identify in a non-verbal manner how they are touched by suicide – be it through a child, sibling, friend or family member.
Ms Chester hopes the ribbons will help participants gain the coverage to strike up a conversation with someone in a similar situation.
“Hopefully with the coloured ribbon, a mother who may have lost her child will see another mum with the same coloured ribbon and think ‘you’re the same as me’ … hopefully it encourages people to go talk to each other,” Ms Chester said.
“It is important people know they’re not alone, that a lot of people understand what they’re going through.
“We want to make the process afterwards (suicide) a little bit easier in a small way.”
The day will kick off at the town’s fire station from 9am, where coffee and bacon and egg rolls will be available for a gold coin donation.
The walk will follow.
All proceeds will be split between depression and suicide support charities Lifeline and beyondblue.
To register your attendance, visit the Walk for Suicide Awareness- Kooweerup Facebook event page.
Those in need of immediate assistance can phone Lifeline on 131 114.
