Attending the World Suicide Day Candleight Vigil on Wednesday night were, from left; Maureen Harris, Lyrecrompane, Mags Lynch, St Brendan’s Park, Donal Lynch, Ann Ferguson, Tralee, Maggie O’Connell, New Jersey and Siobhan Lynch, Tralee. Photo by Dermot Crean
OVER 120 people came out to Pearse Park on Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil to mark World Suicide Day.
Organised by Tralee resident, Gerard Collins, people gathered to remember those lost to suicide in town and beyond and to let people know that help is there for those feeling depressed.
“Tonight is about remembering everyone lost to suicide,” said Gerald, speaking to TraleeToday.ie before the vigil. “It gives those here tonight who have lost friends and family a chance to come to meet others who are in the same position. It’s about letting people know they’re not alone.”
“An event like this is very important because the stigma surrounding suicide is still there and it has to be gotten rid of,” said Sharon Roche, who lost her son Sean to suicide a few years ago.
“There’s hardly a family that hasn’t been touched by it. It’s particularly emotional for us as my son Sean’s anniversary is coming up on Monday so to come down and be with families who are going through the same pain as we are really does help,” said Sharon.
Speaking to the crowd assembled just before 10pm, Gerard said that those with a mental illness or depression should not feel stigmatised.
“It’s vital that we break the stigma attached to suicide. I heard on the radio tonight that 55% of those with a mental health issue feel that they’re failures. They’re not failures at all,” he said.
Gerard spoke of his own battles with depression.
“I’m manic depressive, I’ve been treated since I was 16. I’m not ashamed of it – I was though, it took me up until I was 36 to accept that I needed help and I got that help and life has changed for me since. I still get black days, serious black days but I know the help is there. And it’s there for everyone of you here. You have the strength to help each other, you don’t have to have degrees or be doctors, you just have to listen,” said Gerard.
He also said there is a need for better facilities for people with mental health issues.
“Everyone of you here can make a difference. We need to put the pressure on for better mental health facilities. By this time next year we will have lost 600 more people in this country to suicide,” he said.
“There’s a lot of people who are in a bad mental state. They living next door to you, you go to school with them, you work with them. Reach out to them,” he said.
At 10pm everybody present lit a candle and observed a few minutes silence before local woman, Lesley Harris, sang a song.
Gerard Collins was there after the ceremony to distribute information about mental health facilities in Tralee and beyond.
Scroll down for video and photos from the vigil…
Part of the large group gathered in Pearse Park on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ann and Lesley Harris with ‘Kami’ at the Candlelight Vigil in Pearse Park on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
The candlelight vigil in Pearse Park on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Thanks so much for covering the event. We all have a part to play in raising awareness.