A man holds a sign in dedication to someone he says he lost to suicide.
Hundreds of Saint Johners gathered on the Reversing Falls Bridge Monday night to light candles, link arms, and remember those who lost their lives to suicide.
Mayor Don Darling was among them, and left Monday night’s council meeting early to be there with his citizens.
Darling says mental health is something that is deeply personal to him.
“In the fall of 2013 I was diagnosed with depression after having suffered probably for a couple of years with depression and anxiety,” he said.
“I think it’s important that we diminish the stigma, and that very highly functioning people can have mental health challenges and survive mental health challenges.”
Darling says he’s proud of his community for coming together so strongly, especially after a string of recent suicides in the city.
“I know we can get through this together, this community of our’s is so compassionate,” he said.
Hundreds of people are gathered on the Reversing Falls Bridge tonight to light candles, link arms and remember those who have lost their lives to suicide. pic.twitter.com/pjnRA5uJPs
— Danielle McCreadie (@danimccreadie) September 23, 2019
“When we have the week that we just had, when we’ve had so many losses, the ripple impacts when people commit suicide—let’s call it what it is—if government of all levels need any sign that it is time to change the way we’ve been acting, this is it,” he said.
Darling says reducing stigma through honesty and vulnerability is just one part of the solution. He says he hopes to see real change, and has been putting the work in to do so.
Last week, he met with Premier Blaine Higgs to talk about providing better access to mental health supports in the province.
“Now we have to show them we care by acting appropriately,” Darling said.
Hundreds of people gathered on the Reversing Falls Bridge and lit candles.
Councillor John Mackenzie, among those on the bridge, says the event sent a strong message.
“It shows that we’ve got a huge problem that we’re not investing enough resources in. I think we need to put our money where our mouth is and start helping people that need help. The community is fed up. They want something done. It’s gone on far too long, and this is the community’s message to government,” he said.
Councillor David Hickey agrees.
“We’ve seen too much happen in the last week, and too much for a lot of folks here to be able to put into words I think, and that’s what makes this event so meaningful,” he said.
Signs put up last week with messages of hope remain taped along the Reversing Falls Bridge.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or mental health struggles, call the CHIMO helpline at 1-800-667-5005, or Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) at 1-833-456-4566.
