The loss of a loved one from natural causes is heartbreaking for survivors who grieve, cry and terribly miss a special person in their lives.
But a loss from suicide is raw, gut-wrenching pain, leaving many survivors feeling shocked, angry, ashamed, disoriented and guilty.
“Suicide is tragic for families,” said Celina Mazon, who serves as fundraising manager for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The organization sponsored the Out of the Darkness Walk, along with Camden County College (CCC), at its Blackwood campus on a cold April 25.
“We hosted this walk to help with the healing for all those attending.”
More than 100 people gathered outside of Taft Hall, including members of Signa Delta Pi at Rutgers-Camden; students from the college, Penn Tech and Bishop Eustace; and other local high schools, as well as family members who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.
Jeanette Simons, the foundation walk chairperson, thanked Camden County College for co-sponsoring the event.
“Our goal is mental-health awareness and suicide prevention,” said Simons, adding that the foundation hosts walks throughout the state, including at Cooper River Park. “This is our first one here (the campus), and we hope to do it again in the future.”
“CCC’s counseling and wellness department looks forward to partnering again with the (foundation),” college spokesperson Alexia Reigada noted. “There are over 100 walkers here today. Attendees typically feel empowered and a sense of community when attending the walk.
“It’s a moment for them to remember a loved one or find hope and healing within their own mental-health journey.”
Talking to attendees and handing out pamphlets about preventing suicide and dealing with grief at an information table were foundation volunteers Sherlyn Torres and Anisa Brown. Fellow volunteer and disc jockey Mark Farrell addressed the crowd.
“We have to keep the conversation going,” he said.
Farrell acknowledged the grief family members feel after a suicide, and advised them to get some sleep and keep exercising – “the best medicine.” He then led everyone in spelling out HOPE.
“There is always hope.”
“I’m a teacher and my students are here,” Simons offered. “Today, we’re helping break the silence about mental health. Thanks to Jackie Tenuto (a CCC associate dean) from Camden County College for opening up this beautiful campus for us today.”
She reminded attendees of the 24-7 hotline number for suicide prevention or texts to 988.
“Jeanette (Simons) lost her godson to suicide and the disc Jockey (Mark Farrell) lost his brother,” said Mazon, adding that funds raised through the event support the foundation’s mission to advance suicide-prevention research, advocate for public policy and provide resources for those impacted by suicide loss.
“The Out of the Darkness Walk unites community members to raise awareness for suicide prevention and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.”
DJ Mark Farrell and students at Rutgers-Camden addressed the crowd of more than 100 who were at Camden County College’s Blackwood camputs for the Out of Darkness Walk on April 25.
Distributing literature about suicide and providing suggestions for dealing with grief were Celina Mazon (left to right), Sherlyn Torres, Jeanette Simons and Anisa Brown. They were at the Out of the Darkness Walk on April 25 at Camden County College.
