Roughly 500 people die by suicide every year in Alberta, a number the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre believes can come down with a little conversation. September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the 4th annual Darkness to Light Awareness Walk is scheduled to start at 6:30 a.m at Centre 2000.
People will be walking as the sun rises for loved ones they’ve lost or who are struggling with mental illness. The hope is to get rid of the shame and ignorance surrounding suicide.
If you can’t make it, you’re encouraged to start a conversation on the topic, or light a candle. The resource centre also reached out to residents on Thursday through a coffee talk and Wednesday at Grande Prairie Regional College.
According to a recent report by Kids Help Phone, one in five teens in Canada has seriously considered suicide in the last 12 months.