Oct. 9—WATERTOWN — At the very top of Thompson Park on Sunday, about 100 people walked in honor and remembrance of the friends, family, co-workers and strangers who have ended their own lives.
It was the 12th year that the Out of Darkness walk has been hosted in Watertown, led by the Greater Central New York Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Organized by that group’s area director, Karen J. Heisig, the walk is meant to memorialize those who have killed themselves, show support for those who have considered it and for the friends, family and colleagues of those who have died by suicide.
“We’re trying to raise, elevate the conversation, let people know that they aren’t alone, whether they’ve lost someone or they’re someone who struggles,” Ms. Heisig said. “We all have mental health challenges, and the more we talk about it, the more we can do about it.”
She said there are often misconceptions around suicide and its causes, and there are many people who would prefer not to discuss the topic whatsoever. But that can won’t help, she said.
“Talking about it does not cause suicide,” she said. “And not talking about it doesn’t prevent suicide. If we are talking about it, we open the door to someone to maybe reach out to a friend and discuss what they’re feeling.”
In the blustery, cool fall day, Ms. Heisig said the crowd wasn’t quite as large as they’ve seen in the past, but still represents a strong contingent of people from across Jefferson and Lewis Counties who want to bring mental health care into the limelight.
Speaking to the assembled crowd, Ms. Heisig said there’s hardly a person in the world who hasn’t been touched by suicide in some way, and there have been some encouraging steps forward in the national conversation about suicide lately.
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