Talking suicide in Nunavut: Helpline says listening can help heal

Sheila Levy hears countless stories of personal loss and struggle, and says that's the best thing to do when someone is in crisis: just listen.

"So many people feel if they are feeling suicidal, they don't know where to turn," saidLevy,executive director of the 24-hourKamatsiaqtutHelp Line.

"Once they can talk about that then they can move on to finding ways to live."

Levy, who also serves as the vice president of the Embrace Life Council, joined dozens of people in Iqaluit Saturday night marking World Suicide Prevention Day.

The group, whichwalked across the capital's downtown in an annual event to raise awareness for suicide prevention,rebrandedthe dayas Embrace Life Day.

Suicide touches many within the territory;it's been declared a crisis, a coroner's inquest was held looking into the issue and now the territory isin the midst of a one-year prevention strategy,aiming toimprove mental health services.

Nunavut'sMember of Parliament Hunter Tootoo hasshared his personal experiences dealing with suicide. He recently revealed he attempted to take his own life as a teenager.He joined the walk Saturday in support of the Embrace Life Council.

"I survived it. A lot of people out there haven't. A lot of people out there are suffering as a result of that. It's important to bring awareness," Tootoo said.

Open your eyes, ears andhearts

The walk was part of a dayof events culminating in a concert headlined by the music group,Twin Flames.

The concert is part of a Mental Health Awareness Tour across Nunavut.

• PROFILE |'Natural high:' Twin Flames on love and sobriety in the music scene

One of the songs performed by Twin Flames frontmanJaajiwas "about mybrother being happy."

He told the audience his brother died bysuicide before he finishedwriting the song.He completed it on the dayofhis brother's funeral.

"I thought he was okay. Even when he told me he wasn't," Jaaji said.

"Sometimes, unfortunately, we close our eyes, which we shouldn't. We should leave our eyes and ears and hearts open."

TheKamatsiaqtut Help Line is available 24/7 for anonymous support:1-800-265-3333.

For help in Inuktitut call 1-888-331-4433, or visit your community health centre.