As the sun rose over the Carillion this morning, four Lifeline Canberra members solemnly read out 63 names: the Canberrans who had died by suicide over the last year.
The little dawn ceremony, known as Out of the Shadows, is held every year on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) to share hope for people struggling with mental health and for those grieving loved ones lost to suicide.
“It brings suicide and the awareness of suicide out of the dark and into the light,” said Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie-Ann Leeson. “It’s a very special morning where we gather to raise awareness and to reflect, and to commemorate and remember loved ones lost.”
This year’s event also fell the day after R U OK? Day – a double reminder of the importance of caring for yourself and others during this strange time.
Nine people die by suicide every day in Australia, and more than 55,000 try to take their own lives every year – and each death affects 135 people.
Traditionally, Out of the Shadows is held on the lawns of Parliament House; from there, friends and family bereaved by suicide, or people who have survived a suicide attempt, walk around Anzac Parade.
Due to COVID restrictions, only Ms Leeson and her three colleagues could take physical part in the ceremony, but many Canberrans will have been there in spirit. Some lit candles, went for contemplative walks, or held vigils in their gardens and driveways.
Anyone who wants to take part can share a photo on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn); Lifeline is collating and sharing through the day. People can also plant a flower in a virtual reflective garden and leave a message of remembrance or support, or organise a COVID-safe local walk. For more information on Out of the Shadows, go to: https://www.outoftheshadows.org.au/.
During the lockdown, many Canberrans feel fatigued and anxious, distressed by the prospect of another weekend without seeing their loved ones, and another week without travel, Ms Leeson said.
Many have sought help from Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis hotline (13 11 14). Last week, Lifeline received 3,500 calls in a single day; that record was broken this week, when more than 3,600 people phoned on Wednesday.
Lifeline has increased its call answer rate, thanks to the crisis supporters – or, as Ms Leeson calls them, “those incredible humans amongst us, those earth angels”. Many have volunteered to do more shifts, while many have applied to be trained.
They will be needed. Ms Leeson anticipates call demand will only increase over the next few months as people come terms with the reality of the pandemic: “Not just contracting the virus, but the loss of freedom, the loss of financial stability, the breakdown in relationships – everything seemingly that the impact of COVID has taken away from us.”
It is important to discuss mental health, Ms Leeson said. Ask people how they’re going, how they’re feeling about the uncertainty. Ask children what they’re grateful for today.
“You don’t need to be an expert in mental health to start that conversation; you don’t need to be the one to finish it; but make sure you’re aware, now more than ever, of the resources, services, and people around you that can help you through this time.”
Lockdown has been extended indefinitely, but Ms Leeson believes the Chief Minister’s announcement next Tuesday may offer a little hope. “Keep going, one day at a time,” she urged.
Over the last three weeks, she said, Canberrans have backed the ACT Government’s health restrictions, and been vaccinated. “The fact that we are looking out for one another means that we will get through this as quickly as humanly possible”.
Following those health orders, she said, was one thing we can control in our lives, and keep ourselves and others safe. “If that’s the only thing you do in a day, know that you’ve already saved lives.”
- Call Lifeline’s 24/7 Crisis Support on 13 11 14
- Call 000 in an emergency
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