Sep 12, 20232 min read

No one walks alone with Lifeline Mid Coast

Updated: Sep 14, 2023

✦ The World Health Organisation has designated 10th September as a day to focus attention on reducing stigma and raising awareness, giving the singular message that suicides are preventable.

Suicide is a significant public health issue that has wide-ranging social, emotional, and economic impacts. Currently, there are over 700,000 suicides occurring worldwide each year, and the ripple effects of each suicide are profound.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023 is "Creating Hope Through Action", which serves as a powerful call to action, reminding us that there are alternatives to suicide and that our actions can foster hope and strengthen prevention efforts.

By taking action and creating hope, we send a powerful message to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we genuinely care about their well-being. It also emphasises that even small actions can provide hope to those facing difficulties.

Lifeline Mid Coast

Lifeline Mid Coast was established in 1988 and is committed to reaching out to those in crisis, whenever they need it and wherever they are, offering real support when difficulties seem overwhelming.

As a not-for-profit charity, they provide consistent, caring support to anyone who needs it, focusing on preventing and intervening in situations of self-harm and suicide.

Walk with me Out of the Shadows

We are not alone, and there are people who can walk together with those who are suffering.

Out of the Shadows is an annual walk of remembrance on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September. This is when the community comes together to recognise the impact suicide and mental health have on our lives, and a time to remember our loved ones lost to suicide.

Out of the Shadows is a symbol of hope for the future. We start in the darkness, and walk together as the sun comes up over the ocean. When you join in, you raise awareness and support Lifeline Mid Coast's commitment to prevent further deaths by suicide.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, a small group of friends joined Nicky Davis and Angie Williams to walk in memory of their mother whom they lost to suicide 16 years ago. They left Town Beach at nine in the morning and walked to Settlement Point for morning tea before returning back to Town Beach. They decided to do their own walk so that everyone could be there together. It's all about honouring the passing of a loved one in a way that is comfortable and meaningful to each person.

There is no perfect answer to how we can help a loved one with depression. But letting the person know they are not alone, someone is there to support and listen, makes a difference.