Raising awareness is the goal today, as events are being held to recognize World Suicide Prevention day.
John Gunn knows firsthand what it is like to lose someone to suicide. A bench has been placed on the Dobson Trail, in memory of his close friend Adam, who he had known since grade 3. Adam struggled with mental health concerns most of his life. John says a few years ago, he chose to end hsi life.
In an effort to raise awareness, they built the bench, and put it in a place where Adam used to go when he was feeling down.
John says too often people bury their problems instead of talking to someone.
“Having that conversation open and having people willing to say that it is okay to struggle, let’s talk about it and work through it, that really matters and can really make a big difference. People too often try to suck it up, instead of opening up,” Gunn says.
Beside the bench is a plaque that contains a quote from Adam’s last letter, along with the CHIMO helpline number.
“We very much feel that being out and enjoying that bench would have been something that really would have made Adam happy. I hope that it touches someone else as well, and helps them to speak out,” Gunn says.
