As walkers and motorcyclists gathered to promote suicide awareness in Bendigo on Sunday their discussions turned to the importance of breaking down barriers.
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Lifeline Central Victoria and Loddon Mallee CEO Leo Schultz encouraged people to start conversations about suicide.
He told people gathering for the SPAN Bendigo awareness and prevention walk and Ride4Life motorcycle ride that not talking could make it harder for those contemplating suicide.
“It makes it harder to reach out for help. One in 20 people will have thoughts about suicide in any two week period. So thoughts about suicide are not that unusual.”
Talking was a way of discovering other options and was the first step to life-saving help, Mr Schultz said.
He said it was important to normalise discussions about suicide even when there was no risk.
“Who would you talk to if you were having thoughts of suicide? That’s a great conversation to have with anyone to increase their personal resilience,” Mr Schultz said.
It was a sentiment echoed by Andrew Stewart, who traveled from Ballarat to take part in the suicide prevention awareness walk. He said talking was a way to break down barriers to a topic many parts of society saw as a taboo.
Mr Stewart attended the walk to pay respects to loved ones.
“It brings back a lot of memories and it’s important to remember the good times we have had with those who have taken their own lives,” he said.
“It’s also a time to show support for those here today, and those having a hard time.”
Co-founder Alannah McGregor said volunteers from Lifeline, Headspace and Bendigo Community Health Services were on hand if people attending the event needed to talk privately.
“It’s OK to let those emotions out, and feel that you are supported in doing that,” she said.
Ms McGregor had a message for those going through a tough time.
“At the time something bad is happening you feel like you may never get out of it, or that there’s nothing to look forward to,” she said.
“But give yourself that day. Things could look up tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, the next day. Tough times do pass.”
If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.