LEANNE Nelson knows all too well the impact suicide can have on the lives of those left behind.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo resident lost her son Tyson to suicide 19 months ago.
He was just 16 years old.
“It was probably a few months before it happened that I noticed that he’d been depressed,” Ms Nelson said.
“He had gone to the doctor and sought help but it just got too much for him.”
Ms Nelson wore a photo of her son pinned to her T-Shirt as she walked through Bendigo’s CBD yesterday.
Ms Nelson was just one of about 500 people who participated in the SPAN Suicide Prevention Awareness Network’s walk to raise awareness about suicide.
She was joined by a group of friends and family, including her daughter Shaleah and sister Racquel.
“It’s good for people to talk about it and get it out there so that people are aware that it does happen a lot,” Ms Nelson said.
A little further ahead in the throng of walkers Amelia and Mick Youla were stepping out in support of two friends.
“They struggled with mental illness which led to them both dying,” Ms Youla said.
“Events like this to make a difference.
“Suicide is just not something people like to talk about and this prompts discussion.
“Especially with the slogan ‘Tough Times Pass’, it helps people think of the after instead of just the now.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editorial: We all have a duty to help prevent suicide
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------