MORE than 80 people came together to walk in the serene atmosphere of the Orange Botanic Gardens yesterday to remember a loved one who had lost their life through suicide and to raise awareness of the need for people with a mental illness to be supported.
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Tracey Hinton who organised the walk to highlight the struggles of people contemplating suicide, depression and anxiety, has personal experience of the devastating impact of losing a loved one to suicide with the loss of her brother in 2008.
“It is really encouraging to see so many people here today and virtually everyone’s life has been touched by the loss of someone to suicide - so today has a real meaning for them,” she said.
Adam and Brodie Dane took part in the walk yesterday.
“It’s about remembering dad,” Mr Dane said.
Mr Dane lost his father to suicide 15 years ago and it has had a huge impact on his life.
“It happened when I was young and something like that stays with you forever,” he said.
“We hope by walking today we can create more awareness within the community,” Ms Dane said.
For Alex Rezko, she says it was important to walk yesterday to honour the memory and the years of struggle of her brother who took his life in 2008.
She said she has read about the new government initiatives to individualise treatment for people battling mental illness and feels it would have helped her brother.
“For years it was such a struggle for him,” she said.
“He made his decision because he said he didn’t want to be a burden to himself, others and his country,” she said.
“I have had my struggles too but I feel fortunate in that I have always had my faith to get me through.”
“But people need to feel they have a purpose in life,” she said.
If you are struggling to cope please call:
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or go to beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline on 13 11 14
If you are aged between 12 and 25 headspace can provide help. Go to www.headspace.org.au
