MUN students hold World Suicide Prevention Day vigil

The event was led by Meaghan Mckeough,co-chair with Memorial Minds,a mental health support group for students on campus.

The group placed 54 yellow ribbons around the University Centre at MUN to remember54 people in Newfoundland and Labrador who died by suicide in 2011.

Theyhanded out battery-operatedtea lights to members of the crowdand observed a moment of silence to commemorateWorld Suicide Prevention Day.

The vigil is just one of many events the group has planned since its inception to further itsgoal of ending the stigma surrounding mental health.

"It gives people the chance to know that they're not alone," said McKeough.

Tina Davies, a co-chair of the Community Coalition of Mental Health, spoke about her experiences with suicide at the event.

"This Dec.9,2015, will be 20 years since my son Richard took his life."

"It took me a long time to heal. We moved here from Alberta in 2000 and I really didn't start healing until I got here," says Davies.

In 2005, Davies started what would become Richard's Legacy Foundation for Survivors of Suicide Loss.

It was by trudging forward and leading support groups that she was able to work through her grief.

Davies now serves as the vice-president of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Newfoundland and Labrador (ASIST NL).

Through ASIST NL, Davies helps organize workshops that educate people on how to help those who may be having suicidal thoughts and mental health issues.

This past Friday, ASIST NL received $20,000 in funding from the federal government.

At the vigil, Daviesshared advice on how to help friends and loved ones who might be going through a rough time.

"If you're concerned about someone and you think they're having suicidal thoughts, don't be afraid to ask them outright,"she said."Say the word, because it's important to say the word."

"The more we say the word the more we get rid of that stigma."

Sometimes, Davies said, all it takes is letting the person in need know that you're there if they need you.

"There's little things: you can smile, you can be kind it's amazing what a little kindness can do"

Newfoundland and Labrador's first Suicide Prevention Week runs from Sept.7to Sept.14.