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Vigil Held for Suicide Victims FridayDozens gather in Town SquareANCHORAGE - Alaskans are killing themselves at twice the national rate for suicide. That's despite millions of dollars in suicide prevention and outreach efforts. Friday night dozens gathered in Town Square in remembrance of all those who died because of suicide. The event was more light-hearted than you might expect. The events coordinators were trying to use positive tactics to give everyone there hope. They say the first step in prevention is making everyone feel comfortable talking about it. It was a day to remember all of those lost in the state’s suicide epidemic, and to support those left behind. “Today actually marks the eight-year anniversary of losing my father to suicide,” organizer Sarah Gunkel said. “They are not in it alone. There is no shame in having a loved one who has taken there own life… we can stand together and kind of support one another.” Sarah Gunkel knows all too well what it feels like to lose someone close. In 2005 she lost her father, Fritz Gunkel. He was one of 1,369 Alaskans the state says killed themselves between 2000 and 2009. “People who have had family members lost because of suicide don't want to talk about it; those who contemplate it don’t want to reach out. It can’t be something we keep quiet about anymore because it doesn't do anyone any good,” Gunkel said. But in Town Square Friday, the group was anything but quiet. They used music to bring people together and to give them strength. “With the flash mob it kind of brings a different twist to what people normally do to bring awareness to suicide. Sometimes I think maybe if we lighten up the events a little more maybe more people would want to attend,” Gunkel said. Gunkel's best friend, Sarah Cusack, helped organize the event. She said she hopes to bring light to a dark topic, to help support not just those who've died, but those who are trying to come to terms with loss. “This is a very important day for her, so it touches me to see her reaching out and do something that is important for her,” Cusack said. “I am just there for her, when she is having a bad day and she wants to cry or just wants to talk about it, I am just there for her. Sometimes it’s not about saying or doing anything, it’s just about being there.” If you need someone to talk to and are battling depression, you can call 1-800-784-2433; the line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
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SarahG said on Monday, Mar 18 at 10:12 AM
The term victim is used because anyone who is suffering so terribly that taking their life feels like their only option is in my opinion a victim of something. My father was a victim of depression and OCD. The disease took the light out of a vibrant and loving man. He lost himsself in his depression that makes him a victim. I will never fault him for what he did and I also know that I will never understand it. Why not stand together and let people know that there is support and help to be given rather then judge whether or not they are a victim to an illness. I hope to never feel the pain he must have felt. All I know is the pain of his loss.
116352502Anonymous said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 11:47 PM
I half agree with you Bob. If I kill someone, they become a victim. So how are they not a victim if they die from killing themself? Especially when that 'decision' may be a very poor one, clouded by impaired judgement? Where I DO agree, is in the case of someone who is maybe dying of cancer, and just wants to end their suffering. We euthanize suffering animals because it's humane, humans should be allowed the same dignity.
113794692BobD said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 4:25 PM
I know it's hard for family & friends to lose a loved one , but these people make a decision to do themselves in , so I can't agree with using the term " victim "..
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