Suicide prevention event set for Oct. 24

The third annual Suicide Prevention Walk is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Oct. 24 at Bobby Ferguson Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. There is no fee to participate. “The main focus has always been to raise awareness,” said Jennifer Shelton, event organizer. “In 2012, I lost two friends and a cousin to suicide all in the same year. That made me want to make a difference so that someone else’s family doesn’t have to go through this. … Friends are hard enough, but when it’s family and you’re seeing them trying to cope with their loss and understand why? What could we have done different? Or could we have done something different? Trying to make sense of it all is really hard.”

Education will be provided at the walk.

“We will have education about the signs to look for and handouts. The suicide hotline number will also be available,” Shelton said.

A balloon release will be held in memory of those who took their own lives.

“We ask that people bring their own balloon. There is also a memory wall. If people want to bring pictures in honor of their loved ones, they can do that as well,” she said.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-2738255, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s a tollfree, confidential, suicide prevention hotline available to anyone having suicidal thoughts.

According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, risk factors for suicide include:

Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders including schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders.

Alcohol and substance abuse disorders. Hopelessness. Impulsive or aggressive tendencies. History of trauma or abuse. Major physical illness. Previous suicide attempt. Family history of suicide. Job or financial loss. Easy access to lethal means. Local clusters of suicide. Lack of social support and a sense of isolation.

Stigma associated with asking for help.

Lack of health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Cultural and religious beliefs, such as a belief that suicide is a noble resolution to personal dilemma.

I lost two friends and a cousin to suicide all in the same year. That made me want to make a difference so that someone else’s family doesn’t have to go through this. … ” —Jennifer Shelton, event organizer