Suicide awareness walk held in Calais

With suicides and deaths of despair rising significantly in Washington County over the past year, the need for community outreach is pronounced. To help meet that need, the first-ever Out of the Darkness Walk was held in Calais on Sunday, September 19.
"This event is crucial to our area -- even more so during these trying times that we are in -- to help those struggling know that their life matters and those who are suffering a loss are not alone in their newfound journey," says organizer Amanda Woodruff. Having lost her father to suicide, and noting that a distressing number of suicides have taken place in the area since, Woodruff says that such events can be an important tool in preventing the loss of additional lives by reducing the stigma associated with mental health.
In northeastern Washington County alone, four people killed themselves over the past winter, including 14 year old William McIver of Baileyville. The teen suicide rate in Washington County is among the highest in the state.
Along with coming together to walk in solidarity and share stories, the walk raised nearly $15,000 from individuals, organizations and businesses around the community. The funds will be used to increase outreach for suicide prevention awareness and research by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
More than 100 people were in attendance, many of whom had been affected by the suicide of a loved one personally. Woodruff describes being part of the event as evoking "a plethora of emotions," particularly in seeing the number of people impacted.
"It's heartwarming to see our small little community come out to support those struggling and those of us like myself who have lost someone to suicide," Woodruff says, but she adds that it's also "heart-breaking to think about how many lives are affected by mental health struggles every day."
Along with offering support to those who have lost loved ones, the primary goal of the walk is to prevent more deaths, Woodruff emphasizes. "My hope is that from this walk we as a community are united in our goal and more determined than ever to help bring suicide prevention out of the darkness and save [the] lives of those struggling."
One of the best resources for those who are contending with suicidal thoughts and those who would like to conduct suicide awareness outreach events themselves is the AFSP website itself at afsp.org. "There you can find connections for in person or online support groups, different national events such as World Suicide Prevention Day and International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, and there are also links to tons more resources," Woodruff advises.
There are films available to show in different settings that can help reach those who are suffering and teach others how to recognize the signs. Woodruff recommends More than Sad for the high school level, It's Real for college students, and Talk Saves Lives for community settings.
Anyone in need of immediate help can call the AFSP hotline at 1 800 273 TALK or text the word TALK to 741741 for support.