Depression runs in my family. I came to the Walk because I know how devastating and crippling depression is. It drains life. I finally got treated for depression when my 15 year old daughter was depressed and cutting. It was a very sad and scary time for our family we got treatment for her and she is well now.
The Walk was a chance to give back to others who suffer from the disease of depression as I once did and to show support of those who have lost loved ones by suicide.
It was a beautiful day; a wonderful cause. My father committed suicide 30 years ago, but I’ve never been surrounded by so many others who also know and experienced that sort of loss – profoundly moving and inspiring to see all these folks doing a healthy, positive and healing thing.
It is hard to put into words, but it was almost as if closure was given to me. It made my loss less hard to accept. The hurt will never ever ever go away. But it is so helpful doing something physical with others for a good cause.
A day of compassion healing and hope for those affected by depression and suicide.
The Walk was heart warming; seeing people come together for a worthy cause, made me see that hope is still alive.
The reading of the names of those who took their own life really brought tears to my eyes. I hope that the list gets shorter each year until there aren’t any to read.
Too many people have been affected by depression and we need to do something to prevent it. This Walk is a good way to do it.
It was inspirational and eye opening.
I feel God was truly present at this Walk. I saw so many people with open hearts and an outpouring of love to each other. Life is precious and people do care. Seeing so many people support this Walk makes it obvious that no one ever has to be alone.
The Walk was to me another way in which I could show support to my neighbor friends (suicide survivors) and show my love to them by being there. It was great seeing the good that this event did to a lot of people by letting it all out in the open. A lot of people can finally talk about this tragedy freely and now seek the help they have needed for years.
It made me realize that I am not alone in enduring a tragic experience of the past. I realized how supportive others are.
Remembrance and recognition of my Mother’s suicide, realizing I am not alone in my struggle, being around others who can at least relate, honoring my Mom’s memory, not forgetting her, seeing how many people are affected by suicide, becoming stronger - - all of this meant a lot to me.
The program was presented well giving much needed information to all of us who attended.
The Walk meant a lot. I’m a 15 year old girl who suffers from depression and for a while thought of suicide and cutting myself. Going to this Walk reminded me that people care. And what if I had actually done it. The toll on everyone would be great. This Walk reminded me of what is right.
Interacting with many of the volunteers and knowing that all of the hundreds of people that were participating in the Walk, all were there to support each other.
It was touching and a wake up call because I never imagined that many people died due to their own reasoning. It also gives you the opportunity to educate someone who has suicide thoughts.
The Walk was a part of belonging - - everyone wants to bond to something and the Walk gave us an opportunity to relate to people who actually know what it feels like to have lost someone to suicide. I learned that even though you think you’re alone - - mentally you are not.
It was interesting to learn about how depression affects so many people. I just wanted to make a stand in letting those involved know people really do care.
Seeing the people cry and looking at how many people have suffered from this was powerful. It’s sad but it really does open your eyes to someone other than yourself - - like putting yourself in their shoes.
Although our daughter is always in my thoughts, the Walk is a way to be in community with others who have also experienced such a loss. Secondly, the public relation component was much greater this year at least on the Peninsula. Thank you.
This event is important - - just realizing all the people that were there to learn more about the prevention of suicide.
The speakers were excellent, as always. Happy to see the military more involved. With the breeze blowing, the cranes seemed in flight as a flock. Wow!
Yes, it is important to get the word out that suicide is not a moral issue but a medical issue.
It was very meaningful to know by being at the Walk, we were a part of the change so those in the future won’t have to suffer in silence.
The Memory Wall was very difficult to see, yet seemed very healing for many people. The armbands were powerful – as a parent, it was painful to see Purple bands.
I was totally surprised, pleasantly so, to see so many people! It was nice to see people being able to come together to comfort each other and bring the topic of suicide “out of the closet”.
The program and Memory Wall were very healing for me. It brought some resolution and peace to my broken heart after a year of trying to put the pieces of my life back together after loosing my son to suicide a year ago. He served our country in the US Navy for 26 years.
I learned about the different ways in which we can all help people with depression no matter their level of faith, religion, and personalities. I also realized that depressed people don’t think anybody would understand how they feel. They also think they are going to be judged by others.
To have my children there and educate them about depression. The Memory Wall was very meaningful.
It was very helpful to know that we are not alone. It was a very heart warming experience.
I walked around the lake and mountain. What was most meaningful to me was to hear a man speaking of the symptoms of depression and how most people who suffer from it feel that it’s useless and/or selfish to ask for help because they have everything going well in their lives. They have it all so they feel it’s silly to be depressed. This also raised awareness to those who see their loved ones depressed but cannot understand and get mad at the person who’s depressed for being sad even when they have everything in their lives.
The ribbons were meaningful – getting that awful secret or experience out in the open and just being in each other’s presence; sharing a healing step on our life journey. The speakers were terrific, too. Very well thought out!
It was very emotional but healing too. You didn’t feel alone. There are a lot of broken hearts due to suicide (not just mine!) Great Event. Keep up the great job.
I learned it’s OK to cry in public. It’s healthier than holding it in. This event made me feel like I am not alone.
I liked the reading of all the names of the suicide victims with Josh Grogan “You Raise Me Up” playing in the background. I was reminded that God raised us up from the depth of our despair - - that I was not alone during the most tragic loss and time in m life.
It was amazing to see the community come together for a beautiful cause. It was the first time in years that I didn’t feel alone.
The Walk raised awareness to the danger of untreated depression and how to look for signs of someone who is depressed and potentially suicidal. Before the Walk most of the youths of our church hadn’t thought too much about suicide and its prevalence among young people, but after the Walk they were made aware of information on what to do if they or others need help.
Being a part of a cause that is so important may just make a difference.
I attempted suicide as a preteen. I was severely ill. My parents were uneducated on the signs of depression in young adults. I want to help others like I was.
The banner and the reading of names was moving. And the signs saying “It’s a mental issue, not a moral issue” couldn’t have been more amazing!
The ribbons and the pictures on the Memory Wall were so incredible. The people around me were all so compassionate. It felt so comfortable letting go of the pain
I didn’t realize how prevalent suicide is in our community and this Walk definitely opened my mind to that. It helped me understand more about suicide and its prevention and it motivated me to help out in anyway that I can.
The Walk showed that there really are people who understand and that things are never shameful or hopeless.
The time spent that morning was extremely important to my emotional and mental health. I benefit from all aspects of the Walk and absorb the healing spirit of the participants and share in their grief.
The increased awareness brings suicide out of the shadows.
The Walk was an incredible and striking experience for me. It hurt so much to see all the colors of the ribbon armbands and know that I was sitting by someone who had lost a person so close to them.
Unity in grief – unity in healing- - unity in raising awareness.
