Families to step out from tragedy

Kim Waters
DISCOVERING she was far from alone in her grief after her son’s 2008 suicide was a call to action for Geelong’s Lisa Castle.
“When I lost my son I vowed I would do something to raise awareness,” she said.
“We were going to counselling and as group of parents we were really angry that we weren’t aware of how many other people this affected or the statistics. Our counsellor put us all in touch and we started Suicide Prevention Awareness Network (SPAN).”
She said SPAN would stage its second Geelong Suicide Awareness Walk during Australia Day next week.
Ms Castle said the walk also highlighted the extent of suicide’s impact, with organisers expecting 1000 participants next Wednesday after a turn-out of 700 last year.
“It’s such a taboo subject and a lot of people in the past would just say their loved one had died from a heart attack or something rather than suicide.
“We thought we really needed to get it out into the open and let people know that if they have mental health issues then they should see a doctor.”
Ms Castle believed the issue of suicide was often “swept under the carpet”.
“This event is not about glorifying suicide – there is nothing glorified about it. It’s about getting awareness out there and letting people know that they aren’t alone.
“It was so good last year to see people whose lives had been touched by suicide getting to talk to others who were in the same situation.”
Ms Castle said SPAN would use proceeds from the walk for suicide awareness initiatives and programs.
“There are a lot of suicides in Geelong and it seems to be in spates but it’s really right across the whole of Australia.”
She invited people to join the walk, starting 10am in Johnstone Park.
She asked anyone interested to phone her 0425 751 357 or email youthsuicide@hotmail.com.
“There will also be a chance on the day for people to read out the names of loved ones who have been lost,” she said.
People experiencing personal problems can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Victorian SuicideLine on 1300 651 251.