The Northeast Suicide Prevention Network (NESPN) held a ceremony near the shore of Ramsey Lake at the Elizabeth Street gazebo on Sept. 10 in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day.
This was the fourth time the day has been observed in Sudbury, and the ceremony was attended by dozens of Sudburians, many of whom released butterflies to honour lost loved ones. The theme of this year's ceremony was "take a minute, change a life".
"Today we are here to support those people struggling with mental health issues, to support those who have lost a loved one to suicide, to offer hope and to offer healing," said Cindy Shyminsky, chair of NESPN, Sudbury.
It's estimated that every day in Canada, 11 people take their own lives and more than 200 attempt suicide.
"Suicide occurs across all ages, economic, social, and ethnic boundaries. The pain that leads an individual to take their own lives is unimaginable and a death by suicide leaves countless families and friends bereaved and greatly impacts the community. We're encouraging everyone to think of ways that they can take a minue and change a life."
This year, the NESPN partnered with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and the N’Swakamok Kweok Hand Drummers, who put on a concert as part of the "Mysterious Barricades" coast to coast concert series, raising awareness about mental health and suicide.
Deputy Mayor Al Sizer proclaimed the day as World Suicide Prevention Day in Sudbury, and Sudbury teen Joshua Tillson spoke to those in attendance about his own personal battle with mental health and suicide.
"In February 2016 someone very close to me, my stepfather, took his own life in our home. It was traumatizing for me and something I think about almost every day," said Tillson, who explained that in his darkest days he was able to find solstice in running and physical activity.
"Running was something that helped me cope, but in my experience I found that it's very difficult to know where to turn. I had no idea of the different resources available in the community. I'd urge anyone who's struggling to open up and share what they're going through, I want you to know that there's so many people out there dealing with the same emotions that you are. You're not alone, don't ever be afraid to share your story or ask for help."
